Manchester United’s Erling Haaland transfer agreement means nothing because of Joel Glazer

Man Utd: Solskjaer reacts to Haaland breaking record

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Manchester United chiefs John Murtough and Darren Fletcher agree with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer when it comes to signing Erling Haaland. However, that means nothing when it comes to pursuing the Borussia Dortmund star this summer. And that’s because Joel Glazer will, ultimately, have the final say on a potential deal this summer.

Manchester United want a new striker this summer.

Having seen Anthony Martial struggle by scoring just four Premier League goals, and uncertainty starting to surround the future of Edinson Cavani, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is on the lookout for more firepower.

And Solskjaer, Murtough and Fletcher all believe Haaland would be a top addition to the squad this summer.

It’s certainly easy to see why.

Haaland has been nothing short of sensational since his move to Borussia Dortmund from Red Bull Salzburg back in January 2020, establishing himself as one of European football’s best young players.

He’s been in outrageous form in the Bundesliga, scoring 21 goals from 21 appearances.

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And the Norway international has been spectacular in the Champions League, too, finding the net 10 times from just six appearances in the competition.

Behind the scenes, United’s key figures all want to see Haaland arrive at Old Trafford.

But history suggests that transfer agreement could count for precious little with Glazer, ultimately, having the final say.

Solskjaer, Murtough and Fletcher will have to operate within their means this summer. While United are financially stable they, like many clubs around the globe, have been impacted by the coronavirus crisis.

And Glazer could veto a deal – just like he did for Jadon Sancho last summer.

United went after the England international with vigour. Ed Woodward oversaw negotiations and, after learning Borussia Dortmund wanted £108million for the England international, relayed the news to Glazer.

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Except Glazer said no.

The United supremo, despite spending big on landing Tom Brady for the family’s NFL side the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, insisted it was simply too expensive.

And it wasn’t the first time the United owner had made that decision, with the American also blocking multiple transfer deals during the David Moyes, Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho eras.

United refused to pay Barcelona’s asking price for Thiago Alcantara in 2013, with the Spain international eventually going on to join Bayern Munich instead.

And, under Van Gaal, the Dutchman was denied mega-money deals for the likes of Mats Hummels, Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Muller.

It was a similar story under Mourinho, too.

The current Tottenham boss wanted United to sign Harry Maguire from Leicester back in the summer transfer window of 2018 after being impressed by his performances at the World Cup in Russia.

But Glazer put his foot down, believing they’d be paying over the odds if they met the Foxes £70million asking price.

United then signed Maguire for £10m more the following year, showing the Red Devils owner is willing to make a U-turn if needed.

But how he feels about Haaland is currently unclear.

Landing the Norway international won’t be easy this summer with so many clubs in the frame. Dortmund have set a £150m asking price for their No 9, meaning it would make the youngster one of world football’s most-expensive signings.

And history suggests United’s supremo may just deem a deal too expensive.

Solskjaer has already moved to dampen expectations regarding possible incomings, saying: “[The pandemic] is definitely affecting everyone in football. Of course the lack of income, the finances have affected everyone.

“We have to be realistic and responsible in the way we do our business both on and off the pitch. There are improvements on the training ground, stadium – we have to look at the whole picture.

“Where can we spend the money? And how much is there? It’s just the real world now. It has changed.”

And what Glazer ultimately decides is something only time will tell.

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