With a fee of just £20million, Borussia Dortmund have signed Manchester United target Erling Haaland. Reports indicate that United, though clearly interested, were concerned by the demands of Haaland, his father and his agent.
It’s a move which signals another defeat in the transfer market for the Ed Woodward-led United. But there are a few reasons as to why missing out on Haaland could work in United’s favour in certain areas.
Continued development of frontline
Mason Greenwood’s five goals in his last five games have been greatly satisfying. The talent of United’s young forward is immense. There’s little doubt that Haaland would have improved United’s attack but, given the so-called ‘transitional’ nature of this side, the opportunities that Greenwood has been afforded is good.
Not only that, but United’s front line of Martial and Rashford accompanied by one of Greenwood and Dan James is developing. They have the second half of the season to show that they can be trusted to lead the line. That mainly applies to Martial and Rashford given the lack of time for James and Greenwood in first team so far. That’s not to say they’ve under-performed so far but they have to continue their goalscoring rates and contributions throughout the season. If they do, that will shape United’s transfer activity.
Haaland buyout clause gives United another chance
Mino Raiola had a big role to play in Haaland’s move to Dortmund. It’s reported that he advocated a move to another European club before considering United. That desire means that Haaland has a buy-out clause, of some value, in his contract with the German club.
United have another chance to bring Haaland to Manchester, it just might come in a couple of years. Is that good business? Well, they may have to pay four times the sum they would have done now. But if the priority is to develop their current forwards, then there is some logic behind it, just not one that the club’s fans will necessarily agree with.
United avoid being held to ransom by Raiola
According to The Athletic, Mino Raiola will effectively control the next transfer of Haaland. “United declined to enter into such an arrangement.”
That’s the key positive from United missing out on this deal. For too many years since Ferguson’s retirement, they’ve been victim to the whims of players and agents. Buying Haaland and handing control of his future to Raiola would be a move unfitting of a club of United’s size. They would effectively be buying him for two years before letting Raiola take him elsewhere.
Perhaps United have indeed failed to convince Haaland, but even so, avoiding the implications of this deal and its connections with Raiola is one positive.
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