Erling Braut Haaland: Man United’s grand plan to terrorise teams next year

Erling Braut Haaland - Europe's most sought striker at the moment [Courtesy]

Manchester United’s search for Romelu Lukaku’s replacement could soon come to an end, with a deal for Norwegian wonder-kid, Erling Braut Haaland, rumoured to be in the pipeline.

The 19-year-old Red Bull Salzburg striker has dazzled this season scoring 43 goals, eight of which he has netted in the Champions League, sparking interest from a host of Europe’s top dogs.

Manchester United’s manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who formerly managed Haaland at Norwegian side, Molde FK, stirred controversy with remarks that Haaland had decided on his future, hinting to a possible United move.

"He knows what he wants to do and knows what he is going to do," said Solskjaer

This was after reports surfaced that the United boss had flown to Austria to court the teenage-sensation into joining the Red Devils.

Haaland is the most sought striker in Europe [Courtesy]

But it will not be a walk in the park for United who will have to ward off competition from other clubs including Champion League winners, Liverpool, who are said to be monitoring the striker.

Also linked with a move for the 19-year-old are Bundesliga sides, Borussia Dortmund and Red Bull Leipzig, with the latter touted as favourites to land him, as he appears keen on staying within the Red Bull setup.

Haaland began his professional career with a debut for Norwegian side Bryne FC in 2016 and featured 16 times, before moving to Molde in 2017.

His first goal for Molde came in the club’s 3-2 victory against Volda TI in April 2017. He went on to score 13 more in is 39-match stint at the club, before exiting to join current club, Austrian outfit RB Salzburg in January 2019.

The striker who scored 11 goals for Norway’s Under-20 National team is yet to find the net in his two national senior appearances.

Haaland’s stellar performance in this season’s Champions League season is the reason for the growing interest he has attracted from various clubs.

His eight goals, including a hat-trick in his debut in a 6-2 thrashing of Genk, has managers keen on acquiring his services.

Manchester United have shown the most interest as they look to bolster their striking department, one which has been blowing hot and cold in recent times.

Their latest 1-1 draw against mid-table Everton may have cemented their resolve in signing a forward and also boost the squad’s depth.

The 20-time Premier League winners will, however, have to fork out £86m (Sh100m), which is the rumoured asking price for the star.

Haaland is managed by agent Mino Raiola, who also manages Paul Pogba and Mathias De Ligt, with reports claiming that Raiola is pushing him towards a Juventus move.