Manchester United have identified Erling Haaland alternative

Just a year ago, Manchester United fans had to go through the disappointment of failing to sign Erling Haaland. They had thought that the Molde links with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could have been of some help in this case, but it was all for nothing as his compatriot, ditching a ‘lucrative’ offer from the Red Devils, joined Borussia Dortmund instead.

Following that glamorous move, it came to light that Haaland’s agent, Mino Raiola, and his father, Alf-Inge Haaland, played an influential part in taking the player to Dortmund.

The Bundesliga giants was ready to accept the offer of them putting an activatable release clause in Haaland’s contract, one aspect that Manchester United would never have agreed upon. And at the end of the marathon, it was the Dortmund fans singing the praises of the Leeds-born striker.

Since joining BVB, Haaland has been exceptional, scoring 38 goals from 39 matches thus far across all competitions. And if claims made by Fabrizio Romano are to be true, it wouldn’t be until June 2022 that his release clause of €75 million kicks in. So, for now, the ball is in Dortmund’s court.

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Manchester United identify Haaland alternative

However, there are also reports of Manchester City, Real Madrid and some other clubs considering making a move for the 20-year-old next summer. Obviously, they will have to pay more than what his release clause demands to acquire the marksman’s services.

As reported by Express Sport, Manchester United are keen too. But the story believes the Red Devils have already nurtured their own Erling Haaland in Joe Hugill, one of the academy signings that cost Manchester United only £300,000 last summer.

Having joined the Red Devils, Hugill has been scoring for fun on the youth circuit, racking up 14 goals from 18 games so far for United’s academy sides. Physically tall and strong, the former Sunderland striker is touted to be the next big thing at Old Trafford.

Solskjaer has always been a huge follower of promoting youth products to the first-team. Although there is some severe competition going on at United following Edinson Cavani’s arrival, Hugill is not seemingly far from joining the fray.