Paul Ince believes Erling Haaland will not sign with United because of Roy Keane’s brutal tackle on his father 21 years ago.
During a Manchester derby in 2001, Keane inflicted a significant knee injury on Haaland’s father, Alf-Inge, and was handed a red card for his actions.
The Irishman later said that he committed the foul on purpose in order to exact revenge on his opponent, who had showed little sympathy to Keane when he suffered a cruciate ligament damage four years prior. Despite the fact that Keane’s challenge occurred over two decades ago, Ince believes it will hinder United from luring Haaland to Old Trafford.
‘Manchester United require a new striker. Because of the situation with his father and Keane at Old Trafford, Haaland is a tricky one,’ Ince stated.
‘I can’t see him moving to Old Trafford based on that, and he won’t if the Champions League isn’t there.’
The latter statement made by Ince is particularly noteworthy, considering United are far from certain to finish in the top four this season.
Even if they make it into Europe’s top club league, however, their chances of getting Haaland may be minimal.
Since joining Dortmund in January 2020, the 21-year-old has scored 80 goals in just 79 games, making him one of the most sought-after players in the world.
Man City, Real Madrid, and Barcelona are all rumored to be interested in signing the Norwegian international.
If Ince’s forecast comes true, a potential bidding war for the striker might erupt, although it appears that United will struggle to participate.