Manchester United fans may feel like all their Christmases have come at once if the recent reports are to be believed, and Erling Braut Haaland joins the club. It would appear that United are the clear front-runners, with Sky Sports also reporting that the Norwegian striker has jetted into Manchester on Friday morning for talks.
The signing would prove that United are still able to attract the biggest stars in world football. Furthermore, they would have held off the likes of Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea to complete the deal. It isn’t surprising that so many clubs have been interested in the 19-year-old considering his amazing performances this campaign.
Unbelievable Form
It has been an excellent introduction onto the global stage for Haaland, and it would seem that his ability knows no bounds. His domestic form for Red Bull Salzburg has been breath-taking so far this season. In the Austrian Bundesliga, he has scored 16 goals in 14 appearances. He has also added four assists in the league.
His all-round game will be complemented at United, as he is a player that is good in the air and quick on the ground. The Red Devils haven’t replaced Romelu Lukaku since his summer departure, and he would undoubtedly put United back in the top-four picture.
Haaland’s form in the Champions League this season has been consistent. He has celebrated his first season in the competition by scoring eight goals in their six matches. However, that record wasn’t good enough to get them out of the group stages, and they have fallen into the Europa League.
Where Would He Fit In?
It still isn’t clear on what kind of deal United are trying to do with Salzburg. There have been reports that they will buy him, before immediately loaning him back to the Austrian club for the remainder of the season. However, that would seem a strange move as he would immediately fit into what Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is trying to do.
The Norwegian manager could adapt his tactics to fit in his compatriot, and begin to play a 4-4-2. Marcus Rashford can be deployed from the left-hand side while playing Haaland and Anthony Martial upfront. The two forwards would be able to compliment each other, and would certainly be a relationship that we will see blossom.
The right-hand side may still be a slight issue as United don’t have an out-and-out right-winger. Daniel James will be able to do a job there until the end of the season, but his best position is on the left. Juan Mata has played there in the past, and so has Jesse Lingard. That position would undoubtedly be the next area to fix should United get the Haaland deal over the line.
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