Manchester United remain interested in Erling Haaland and could make another attempt to sign the Norwegian next summer.
According to an exclusive report from ESPN, Manchester United are set to retain their interest in Erling Haaland despite the acquisition of Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese had joined the club on a two-year contract but his move from Juventus was financed out of the club’s initial budget this summer, which means the Red Devils remain keen on landing Haaland next season.
The Norwegian wunderkind was a target for multiple clubs throughout the summer, but Borussia Dortmund’s resolve prevailed as the Bundesliga giants were unwilling to offload both Haaland and Jadon Sancho in the same transfer window.
However, it appears Manchester United are keen on reuniting the forward with his close pal Sancho at Old Trafford next season, as well as giving him the opportunity to play alongside Ronaldo. But they are expected to face serious competition from Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City, who are likely keeping their number nine slot vacant for the Norwegian next summer.
Haaland’s father Alf Inge was a former professional at Man City as well while the player himself is known to be a Leeds United fan. Manchester United, therefore, would be at a disadvantage compared to his neighbours, especially if they once again fail to land the Premier League title this summer, despite bringing in some real quality Ronaldo, Sancho and Raphael Varane from Real Madrid.
Manchester United haven’t found themselves on Dortmund’s good books either after blocking Diogo Dalot’s move to Ruhrpott, citing lack of depth at right-back. But given Haaland reportedly has a release clause that can be activated next summer, the deal might be entirely dependent on the player’s preference.
Haaland’s official contract at Dortmund expires in 2024. He already has a stellar record since joining the Bundesliga, netting 63 goals in 64 competitive appearances for the Black and Yellows. 12 of them have come in the UEFA Champions League, even though the forward had made only ten appearances in the competition.
The 21-year-old was recently voted as UEFA’s Forward of the Year last week, with the Norwegian highly expected to form football’s next biggest rivalry up against Kylian Mbappe, who was on the verge of moving to Real Madrid, only to be blocked by Paris Saint-Germain. It appears both these young phenoms could be on the verge of moves next summer, as we head towards a new era in football.