Manchester United icon Dwight Yorke highlights the club’s missed opportunity in not signing Erling Haaland during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s reign
Dwight Yorke has criticized the poor decision from Manchester United for not signing Erling Haaland during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s reign. Yorke claimed that the Red Devils had a 75% chance of securing the deal.
Haaland joined Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2022. The 23-year-old played a pivotal role last season as the local rivals achieved a historic treble.
The Norwegian international gained a reputation for his incredible finishing ability at Dortmund. The six feet four inches forward has the technique, composure and athleticism, making him a bona fide poacher.
Manchester United had the opportunity to sign Erling Haaland before moving to Manchester City. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Haaland has made 74 appearances for Man City while contributing 71 goals and 14 assists so far this season. The 23-year-old is currently leading the goalscoring chart in the Premier League this season.
The Norwegian has scored 14 goals from 14 matches in the Premier League so far. On the other hand, the Red Devils’ attack department has failed embarrassingly this season. Senior players like Marcus Rashford, Antony and Anthony Martial have struggled with contribution and overall performances.
United signed Rasmus Hojlund from Serie A side Atalanta during the summer to bolster their attack. However, the Danish international has failed to contribute a single goal in the Premier League so far.
Hojlund has produced some promising performances for United but the team need an immediate solution that they are currently lacking.
Yorke told beIN Sports that United could have signed Haaland under Solskjaer by paying over the odd at the time. He said:
“I think we missed the boat with Haaland. There was an opportunity under Ole [Gunnar Solskjaer] to have got him, from what I know. We could have gone out there and paid over the odds. We have been paying over the odds. I would say 75 per cent. I won’t go into too many details, but the reality is we could have got Haaland I reckon.”
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United paid over the odds for Antony last season and the Brazilian has failed to live up to the expectations. The Red Devils have spent over the odd in the past so we do think Haaland had fewer risk factors.
The Red Devils need a prolific goals scorer to ease the pressure off Hojlund and help him develop. It remains uncertain whether United will utilize the upcoming transfer market to sign a forward or opt to wait until the summer.
