IT’S HAAL TO PLAY FOR NOW

MANCHESTER UNITED are hoping that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s new contract will give them an edge in the race to land Erling Haaland.

Borussia Dortmund’s Norwegian striker (right) credits Solskjaer with a huge role in his development when the United boss was in charge of Molde.

But Haaland rejected the chance to move to Old Trafford when he left RB Saltzburg in 2019 because he feared that Solskjaer’s future was in the balance.

He had seen how United had ruthlessly sacked David Moyes, Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho for their failure to bring back the glory days. Haaland was worried his career would suffer if he joined a club that seemed to be in a constant state of turmoil after Sir Alex Ferguson retired.

Chelsea also want to bring the 21-year-old star to the Premier League this summer – but Dortmund are refusing to budge on their £160million valuation.

A clause in Haaland’s contract means he will be available for just £68m next year – and the striker can choose from clubs in England, Spain, Germany and Italy.

United are certain to be in the running after convincing 34-year-old Edinson

Cavani to lead their attack for another season.

And the chance for Haaland to once again play under Solskjaer and link up with former Dortmund team-mate Jadon Sancho will be a huge attraction.

Solskjaer signed a new threeyear contract last weekend after getting the new signings he wanted to launch a sustained title bid this season.

He gave Haaland his debut as a teenager at Molde and the pair have maintained a close relationship ever since.