Heading into the January transfer window, Erling Braut Haaland looked destined a top club especially after his exploits in the 2019-20 UEFA Champions League group stage.
Top clubs such as Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Juventus and Manchester United all showed interest in the 19 year old sensation. Though, A move to Manchester United was highly tipped to happen considering the fact that the teenager had worked together with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in Norway.
Out of the blue, the teenager preferred a move to German side, Borussia Dortmund and has started his life in Germany on a high, finding the back of the net five times in the two appearances for the ‘Black and Yellow’ team, all five goals coming from the bench.
The 2019 FIFA U-20 golden boot winner made his debut for the Norway senior national team in September 2019, and now has two caps to his name. Speaking after penning his deal with Dortmund, the forward hinted the club [United] didn’t do enough to acquire his signature.
The Norwegian has been in blistering form this season, having scored 33 goals in 24 games – including six hat-tricks (one in the Bundesliga) – but has been quick to justify his reasons for choosing the Bundesliga over a move to Manchester United.
Dortmund just went direct and said we need you up at the front,” the 19-year-old said.
“They told me they like my playing style and said, ‘We want to have you here’. I liked the way they spoke to me then and that was what triggered the move. I spent a few days looking around the club and speaking to senior people and I just felt that me and Dortmund were a good match.
“I spoke to other clubs, big clubs, but no one gave me the feeling I had at Dortmund.
“During my visit, I had several intense conversations with the club management team, in particular, Dortmund’s chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke, sporting director Michael Zorc and coach Lucien Favre.
“They were all really keen for me to join and from the very start I knew I wanted to move here.
Speaking on missing out on Haaland, Solskjaer said: “We didn’t find the right one outside our club but we now have Mason [Greenwood]
Till a new striker is brought in, Manchester United will hope Anthony Martial and Greenwood are consistent enough for the number 9 role.
