SALZBURG STRIKER Erling Braut Haaland has hailed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for the role he played in his development, amid rumours of a possible switch to Manchester United next year.
Haaland has emerged as one of the brightest prospects in European football this season, netting 17 goals in 10 appearances across all competitions.
The 19-year-old announced himself on the biggest stage by scoring a hat-trick in Salzburg’s 6-2 Champions League group-stage victory over Genk on 17 September.
A number of scouts from top clubs across the continent were reportedly present to witness Haaland’s match-winning display, including United, who have been monitoring his progress for some time.
Solskjaer coached the Norway international while he was in charge at Molde and has been tipped to add the 19-year-old to his ranks at Old Trafford in 2020.
Haaland has praised his old boss for the impact he’s had on his life both professionally and personally, telling TV2: ”He has had a huge impact on my life, both as a person and as a trainer.
“He won the Champions League and was an incredibly good player. He has taught me a lot.”
He added on a potential move to the Premier League in the future: “I have dreamed of playing for the best clubs in the world my whole life, and I especially like English football.”
The teenager’s father Alf-Inge Haaland, who took in a spell at Manchester City as a player between 2003 and 2006, has admitted “it would be nice” to see United formalise their interest in his son.
United are severely lacking in options upfront at the moment, with only Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood to call upon through the middle.
Solskjaer decided to offload Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez during the summer transfer window, with it his intention to promote the younger members of his squad into more senior positions.
The Red Devils have, however, only managed to score eight goals in their first six matches of the 2019-20 campaign, slipping 10 points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool.
Solskjaer has been tipped to bring in extra reinforcements in January and Haaland could be an option for the United boss if he continues on his current trajectory.
The in-form forward will be back in action on Wednesday evening, as Salzburg take on Rapid Vienna in an Austrian Cup clash.
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It must be a first. Two guys from the same club managing two intercounty teams outside of their own county
Good man Henry, he tried out plenty of lads today including O Shea from a junior hurling team.
@Finnster: Might be a good thing to have an outside manager. He might look beyond the usual 3 or 4 clubs that usually make up the squad.
@Finnster: not a bad display from the faithful stick men either.
@Finnster: I think Donal O Shea is the first Salthill player on senior hurling team. Good start!
@Mike Keane: exactly
@Pauly Kel: not bad at all , I grew up in awe of the Dooley’s, Whelehans and Troy’s of Offaly . Great to see Offaly back where they should be
@Finnster: In the Joe McDonagh Cup?
@Mike Keane: many internal mangers come with some bias towards their local county club and rival county club, an outside manager can look at the players
@murt de murty: I know but they are on the way back up the way . Hopefully
@murt de murty: have to start somewhere again.. Fennelly is the right man in charge.
@Finnster: some players no doubt about it.. Little steps
Maybe anthony daly and davy
@Tony Mcgrath: Not the same club I don’t think
@Shaun Gallagher: ya Daly was Clarecastle and Davy sixmilebridge
Early days yet.
It’s not soccer. It’s the players ,not the managers, that win games.!!