DON’T BLOW DOUGH ON HAALAND Wes warns old pal Ole: Splash the cash on three or four stars

WES BROWN believes Ole Gunnar Solskjaer should forget trying to sign Erling Haaland – and spend the money on four quality signings instead.

Former Manchester United and England defender Brown is a huge admirer of the Borussia Dortmund striker who will spark a battle royal between Europe’s elite this summer.

But he thinks Solskjaer would be well-advised to back out of the fight for his signature early and spend his transfer kitty elsewhere.

“When you watch Haaland, the guy looks like a machine,” said Brown. “He is quick and strong. What team would not want him?

“But what we have lacked on occasions is consistency and we need that. I would say he would be better making three signings or even better four.” Haaland (left) was courted by Solskjaer last summer but a deal broke down after the club were unwilling to accept his representatives taking a cut of any future sale.

And with his price tag likely to rise to an eyewatering £150million this summer, Brown believes central defensive back up to the “granite tough” Harry Maguire should be priority if Solskjaer is to turn United into title contenders.

Brown was working this week for Manchester United Foundation in collaboration with Fareshare GM, packing and delivering 21,300 food hampers to families in need of support.

It is a continuation of Marcus Rashford’s outstanding campaign and continues to be a huge support in difficult times.

And Brown believes Solskjaer needs success in the Europa League if he is to keep forward momentum. He said:

“Next season is the one for Ole with regard to the title but the Europa League is massive for us now.

“We want to win that trophy and he will want it for himself.” United face Granada in the quarter-final, first leg on Thursday and with Ajax or Roma lying in wait in the semi-finals.

And given Solskjaer has already lost in four semifinals since taking over – twice in the Carabao Cup, one FA Cup and a Europa League – questions are being asked about his ability to get them over the line.

“Given Ole’s record with semis this one is important we get through,” said Brown. “It is a trophy we can win. And they can finish second in the league despite Leicester being the form team.

“But winning this could keep the momentum going before he starts boosting up the squad again.”

Wes Brown was doing his bit for the United Foundation and Fareshare this week City and Leeds star Alf-inge. They landed in Barcelona yesterday morning and were met at the airport by Barca president Joan Laporta’s assistant, who whisked them away for talks over a summer deal for Haaland. Haaland, 20, has become the most coveted striker in Europe, having scored 49 goals in as many games for Borussia Dortmund. City want him to replace record goalscorer Sergio Aguero, who is leaving this summer. United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – who managed Haaland at Molde – also wants him, along with Chelsea. Haaland has a £65m release clause in his Dortmund contract, which comes into effect next year, but Europe’s top clubs are willing to pay more than double that to land him this summer. Raiola said: “I’m convinced this boy can move to any club.” MU Foundation has continued to support families through partner schools with weekly food hamper donations in partnership with Fareshare.