Former manager discusses regrets including Haaland and Bellingham
In a candid discussion on the Stick to Football podcast, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the former Manchester United manager, opened up about several significant transfer opportunities that slipped through the club’s fingers during his tenure. Among the missed chances were signings of now football stars Erling Haaland and Jude Bellingham, along with England’s Declan Rice, revealing a glimpse into what could have been a different future for the Red Devils.
Solskjaer, who served nearly three years as Manchester United’s manager, recounted the instance when he urged the club to sign Haaland from Molde for a mere £20 million, a recommendation that the club did not act upon. Haaland’s subsequent rise to fame at RB Salzburg and now at Manchester City underscores the missed opportunity for United, highlighting the forward’s potential value had they secured his signature.
Another poignant regret for Solskjaer was the club’s inability to finalize a deal with Jude Bellingham, who had even visited the Carrington training complex. Despite efforts from United legends, including Sir Alex Ferguson, to persuade the young talent, Bellingham ultimately chose a different path for his career, a decision that Solskjaer still rues given the midfielder’s remarkable development.
Additionally, Solskjaer mentioned Declan Rice as a player United “should have” signed, pointing out another potential addition to the squad that did not materialize. Rice’s performances have since elevated him to one of the Premier League’s most coveted midfielders, further emphasizing the impact of these missed signings on United’s squad composition and competitive edge.
The conversation also touched upon the high-profile return of Cristiano Ronaldo to Old Trafford, which Solskjaer now views as a mistake in hindsight. The need to adapt the team’s playing style to accommodate Ronaldo’s presence, particularly affecting the team’s pressing game, was highlighted as a significant challenge that ultimately did not yield the desired outcomes for United.
Reflecting on his Manchester United tenure, Solskjaer’s revelations offer a rare insight into the complexities and “what-ifs” of football management, underscoring the delicate balance between strategic planning and the unpredictable nature of transfer negotiations.
