Man Utd: Solskjaer discusses Halaand move and transfer aims
Borussia Dortmund used Manchester United star Marcus Rashford in their transfer pitch to Erling Braut Haaland and his entourage, during their successful mission to convince him to move to Germany. The 19-year-old has since completed an £18million switch to Signal Iduna Park, ending what looked set to be the biggest saga of the January transfer window.
Borussia Dortmund used Marcus Rashford against Man Utd to win the Haaland transfer race (Image: GETTY)
There had been doubts at Old Trafford that the arrival of another forward could disrupt his scintillating form.
His scoring record also posed doubts over whether United actually even needed a striker in January, because other areas are in more need of attention.
Dortmund also mentioned that Juventus have Cristiano Ronaldo and Gonzalo Higuain leading their attack, which creates huge competition for places with the likes of Paulo Dybala.
Lucien Favre is also lacking a No 9 besides Paco Alcacer, who has emerged as a target for Atletico Madrid.
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. Read our Privacy Policy
Borussia Dortmund signed Man Utd transfer target Erling Braut Haaland (Image: GETTY)
Dortmund told Haaland they needed him and that Man Utd already have Rashford (Image: GETTY)
They have failed to replace the goals of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, since allowing him to leave for Arsenal in January 2018.
The German club were also keen to convince Haaland that he will be provide with plenty of service from the players around him.
There are not many better-attacking rosters in world football than the likes of Jadon Sancho, Thorgan Hazard, Marco Reus and Julian Brandt.
Now he could be the final piece of the jigsaw to help fire them back to Bundesliga glory.
Since it was confirmed that Haaland had chosen Borussia Dortmund, Manchester United have claimed that they actually puled out of the race to sign the teenage sensation.
Trending
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said on the matter: “Well, Dortmund have signed a fantastic boy, I can’t answer more than that.”
United are said to have had concerns over the way a potential deal would be structured.
The club hierarchy were worried about how much money would be going to Haaland’s agent Mino Raiola and the player’s father Alf-Inge.
That left the door open for Dortmund to wrap up a deal, something they didn’t need a second invitation to do.
The fourth-placed Bundesliga side are believed to have given both Raiola and Haaland’s father fees as part of the deal.