Pranav Nair
Mino Raiola’s beef with Pep Guardiola could boost Manchester United pursuit of Erling Haaland
According to Manchester Evening News, superagent Mino Raiola may have handed Manchester United some hope in their pursuit of Erling Haaland.
The 20-year-old is one of the best strikers in European football and could be on the move this summer. Both Manchester clubs are keen to add a striker and have earmarked Haaland as a potential signing.
With Sergio Aguero set to leave the Ethiad at the end of the season, Pep Guardiola is keen to bring in a new ace who can lead his attack. While Haaland certainly fits that bill, Guardiola and Raiola have a history of sorts.
The superagent is not a man to be trifled with and more often than not, speaks his mind. He has on more than one occassions rubbed Untied off the wrong way.
In a recent interview with The Athletic (Subscription Required), Raiola gave a less than charming appraisal of the City boss.
“Everybody knows what I think of him personally and he can say what he thinks for me personally.”
Raiola goes on to add that Guardiola, like Sir Alex Ferguson, likes to have things his way. Unlike some agents, the Italian is not one to be trifled with and couldn’t’ care less if his refusal to bow down to the pair costs him business.
“I’m not in their hands. I’m independent.”
Playing it down
Raiola and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer too have had their issues but it does not appear to be as pointed as it is with Guardiola. Solskjaer has often kept away from having a direct pop at Raiola.
As one of the foremost agents in the sport, it is common for United to do business with him often. While it does not mean we accede to his every demand, staying in his good books could work in our favour.
Whether Raiola’s beef with Guardiola will hand us the advantage for Haaland remains to be seen.
More Manchester United News
- Paul Pogba expected to leave Manchester United as early as the upcoming summer
- Manchester United will need to shell out £600,000 per week to land Erling Haaland
- Transfer News: Daniel Levy pours cold water over Manchester United securing Harry Kane
Raiola also represents Manchester United star Paul Pogba. With a decision over the Frenchman’s future also set to be taken, we will have no option but to deal with Raiola in the summer.
A player’s dream but a club’s nightmare, Raiola’s reputation in the sport is well earned.
