The Red Devils are long-time admirers of the Norwegian striker but are they really capable of landing him?
Man United want to sign Haaland
Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick has spoken frankly about the club’s need for a new striker this summer, with Europe’s biggest clubs set to be involved in a transfer scramble for Erling Haaland. The Red Devils are long-time admirers of the Norwegian striker but are they really capable of landing him? “This is obvious that United need a striker. Edinson’s contract is running out in the summer, and the club needs the best possible centre-forward. I think everyone is aware of that.” Cristiano Ronaldo is undoubtedly the No.1 striker at Old Trafford, with Edinson Cavani having also been used at times under the German and also his predecessor Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Both are, however, at the latter ends of their careers, with Cavani’s contract expiring in the summer of 2022 after he agreed to stay for one more season.
The Red Devils have been struggling for goals of late
Ronaldo is under contract at Old Trafford until 2024, with the option to extend it by a further year, but he is not a viable long-term solution, given he recently turned 37. Anthony Martial, meanwhile, is out on loan with Sevilla, and it remains unclear if he’ll be part of the first-team squad for the 2022-23 season. Mason Greenwood is currently suspended by United amid allegations of rape and assault. England international Marcus Rashford is an option for the striker role. However, he has mainly been utilised as a wide forward, with the left of the attack arguably being his best position. United have been struggling for goals of late, with their poor finishing seeing them crash out of the FA Cup as well as dropping points against Burnley in the Premier League.
The Red Devils’ league total of 37 goals scored is worse than all but one of the five sides above them in the table, with Arsenal having netted 34. It seems certain that there will be several clubs attempting to sign Haaland in the summer, with the likes of United, City, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Chelsea, Liverpool, Bayern Munich and PSG all having been linked with him at various stages over the last 12 months. It’s not clear what Haaland’s preference is regarding his next club, plus staying at Dortmund remains a possibility and hasn’t been ruled out by the Norwegian. The 21-year-old revealed on January 14 that he felt Dortmund were pressuring him into deciding on what he plans to do in the summer.
Meanwhile, Haaland’s contract expires in 2024, although there are reports that he has a €75 million release clause that will be activated in 2022.