Manchester United have been told to abandon their pursuit of RB Salzburg striker Erling Haaland, which could be a huge boost for Liverpool’s chase for the forward.
Former United forward Dimitar Berbatov has revealed he believes that the striker shouldn’t move to Manchester United because it will hamper the development of Marcus Rashford.
Haaland has been linked with several top sides in Europe, after a breakout season that has saw him impress in the UEFA Champions League.
But Berbatov believes it would be a mistake to sign him.
The Bulgarian said, via the Evening Standard:
I don’t think United need to sign a striker in January as they have decent options up front already.
I want Marcus Rashford to get better and better, I’m a big admirer of Anthony Martial and am keen to see Mason Greenwood get more time on the pitch.
I think United have the talent there and signing a new striker, whether it’s an emerging talent like Haaland or the more experienced Mario Mandzukic, could discourage their young players.
I know there’s speculation about Haaland coming to United in January. He’s a big centre-forward, an old-fashioned target man who scores tap-ins – so quite different from Rashford and Martial.
Haaland would offer United something different, but coming from Red Bull Salzburg in the Austrian Bundesliga would be a massive step up, so United need to think carefully about if he’s the right man and how he would fit in with their style of play.
Read Liverpool’s verdict
Rashford has been in top form for United, which does put doubt on them signing Haaland.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has issues in other areas of the pitch, which could really be sorted before signing a new forward.
Therefore, Liverpool could be in pole position to sign the striker.
