4 FOR THE PRICE OF 1
Wes wants Ole to forget about Haaland
WES BROWN believes Ole Gunnar Solskjaer should forget about Erling Haaland – and spread the money over four quality signings instead.
The former Manchester United and England defender 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 and spend his transfer kitty elsewhere.
“When you watch Haaland, the guy looks like a machine,” said Brown.
“He is quick and strong and what team would not want him?
“But what we have lacked on occasions is consistency and we need to get that into us. I would say he would be better making three signings or even better four.”
Haaland 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 £150m this summer, Brown believes central defensive back-up to the “granite tough” Harry Maguire should be the priority if Solskjaer is to turn United into title contenders.
Brown was working this week for the 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 earlier this year and continues to be a huge support in difficult times.
United are in decent shape as they look to finish off the season strongly but 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 a quarter-final first leg on Thursday, with Ajax or Roma lying in wait in the semi-finals.
Given that Solskjaer has lost in four semi-finals since taking over – twice in the Carabao Cup, one FA Cup and a Europa League – questions are being asked about his ability to get his team over the line. “Given Ole’s record with semis, this one is important that we get through,” said Brown.
“It is a trophy we can win. I believe 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.”
■MU Foundation has continued to support families through partner schools with weekly food hamper donations in partnership with Fareshare.