Manchester United may have signed Bruno Fernandes because of Erling Haaland

Man Utd: What could tempt Haaland to Old Trafford?

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Manchester United already know their top target for next summer, with Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland the chosen one. The Norway international came close to moving to Old Trafford in the January transfer window of 2020. But, when he turned them down, the Red Devils then signed Bruno Fernandes instead.

Manchester United were originally intending to sign Haaland this summer.

However, Edinson Cavani’s decision to stay at Old Trafford amid interest from Boca Juniors has seen their stance change.

Instead, United have prioritised the captures of Tom Heaton, Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane. The Norway international is, for now, not their main aim.

But he will be in a year’s time, with the Red Devils determined to land Haaland amid competition from the likes of Chelsea, Real Madrid and Barcelona.

And had United been successful when they tried to sign Haaland, they may not have got Fernandes.

In February, the Athletic revealed the Red Devils only chose to sign the Portugal international after they were rejected by the Dortmund striker.

THINK YOU KNOW SPORT? Test your sporting knowledge with our tricky quiz

It was claimed that Haaland decision to move to Germany ‘triggered’ the Red Devils into life.

After returning from Salzburg, United supremo Ed Woodward called a recruitment meeting with Solskjaer himself involved in the planning.

There, staff members including personal scout Simon Wells sat down and planned on how to proceed now that their top target wouldn’t be joining.

And the pair had seen enough of Fernandes to green light a deal, with the midfielder then arriving for a fee of £47million up front.

Since then, he’s been nothing short of sensational.

United were a club in crisis at the beginning of 2020, with Solskjaer’s job on the line at the time amid links to Paris Saint-Germain boss Mauricio Pochettino.

DON’T MISS

Man Utd set Kane price by Tottenham chief Levy ‘convinced’

Barcelona’s strong XI with Ronaldo and two other signings

Arsenal’s amazing squad if Edu seals six more deals

But the midfielder was a huge hit during his first months, helping the club qualify for the Champions League on the final day of the season.

Then, last season, he was even better.

Fernandes scored five goals in the Europa League, 18 in the Premier League and five more across other competitions to finish on 28 for the campaign.

That was more than any player, being seven higher than the goal tally of team-mate Marcus Rashford.

And United are now hoping that, in the future, Haaland and Fernandes will be team-mates over at Old Trafford as they look to dominate for years to come.

Do you want an exclusive pre-season preview for YOUR club – both in your inbox and through your letterbox? Head over here to find out more and secure your copy.

United have also been linked with Harry Kane.

But while they’re admirers of the Tottenham star, the fact they’ve used the majority of their transfer funds already doesn’t bode well.

And that will no doubt delight Paul Scholes who, when speaking in April, urged United to sign Haaland over the England striker instead.

“First and foremost, they need a number nine,” the former United midfielder said.

“I think the forwards they have are very good, but are any of them really a number nine, are they wide players? You just can’t make sense out of it, really.

“When [Edinson] Cavani’s played, he’s looked alright, but he’s picked up a few injuries. He’s at that age, it was always going to happen, he was always going to be bit-part.

“They need someone who is more permanent. I know Haaland is talked about a lot, he’s going to cost a lot of money. Harry Kane at Spurs, there are rumours that he might want to leave there.

“I think any one of them, you take any one of them, but I think if I had to choose, then Haaland would definitely be the one.

“Purely for his age, his ability, the timing of his career, he’s played under Ole [Gunnar Solskjaer] before. I think it would make sense for everyone to do it, but there’s going to be other clubs in for him, so it will be difficult.

“I like Kane, I think he’s brilliant. When he first came onto the scene, I likened him to Ruud [van Nistelrooy], he’s a ruthless finisher, desperate to score goals.

“I just think at the stages of each one’s career, then you get more out of Haaland.”

Source: Read Full Article