Landing teen won’t solve real Red issue
THE January transfer window is fast approaching and the number of players being linked with a move to United is going up faster than Daniel James on a counter attack.
The club has been linked with more than 50 players in the past few weeks in almost every position – and after David de Gea’s howler against Watford last week, don’t be surprised to see a goalkeeper’s name make its way into the gossip columns.
The reality is the club scouts lots of players every week. They’ve got a network of scouts feeding information back to the hierarchy and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer already has ideas on who he wants to bring in next summer.
The understanding is that it would not be a shock if United ended the January transfer window without an addition to the squad and realistically only long-term targets who they want next summer will be brought in, if they’re available for the right price.
But the current squad is screaming out for reinforcements and if United are to have any hope of securing Champions League football for next season they’re going to have to act fast.
Erling Haaland is a priority for Solskjaer but what’s the use in bringing in a striker if you haven’t got a playmaker to create the chances?
It’s understandable why there’s a lot of hype around the teenager. He’s already scored 28 goals in 22 appearances in all competitions this season, which includes three hat-tricks in the league in just 11 starts. The stats are impressive and he can clearly finish.
And while some of United’s finishing has been a bit suspect – you only need to look at the highlight reel from the Watford game – a big flaw to their attack is the lack of creativity from the players behind them.
Luke Shaw and Aaron WanBissaka have been urged to offer more going forward while the midfield partnerships this season have offered little. And a playmaker is nonexistent. Haaland’s showed this season, with his high goal tally, he has the ability to convert lowquality chances into goals which would be a welcome addition to United’s attacking unit, but without the service it’s unlikely he would flourish in the same manner.
The departure of Romelu Lukaku and United’s decision not to replace him was bold and Haaland does fit the profile of a player Solskjaer is looking to sign but it could be a waste if the club don’t strengthen where they really need to. To get the best out of Haaland United arguably need two signings in the January transfer window.
Haaland may have to be put on ice until United have a system in place that would allow him to thrive in the same way he’s been doing in Austria.
United need a system in place that would allow Haaland to thrive
Charlotte Duncker