Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's ambitious transfer targets for Manchester United have been revealed, with the former manager keen to sign Erling Haaland, Jude Bellingham, and Declan Rice before they became global stars. The Norwegian urged United's hierarchy to act quickly, but his requests were denied, according to reports.
During his tenure from 2018 to 2021, Solskjaer identified Haaland, then at Red Bull Salzburg, Birmingham City's Bellingham, and West Ham's Rice as bargain opportunities. However, United instead spent £39 million on Donny van de Beek in 2020, followed by £73 million for Jadon Sancho and £13 million for Cristiano Ronaldo in 2021.
Haaland and Bellingham both joined Borussia Dortmund in 2020 before moving to Manchester City and Real Madrid respectively. Rice eventually left West Ham for Arsenal in 2023. Solskjaer's recommended signings have since flourished, while United's actual acquisitions struggled: Van de Beek failed to break into the first team, Sancho was loaned to Aston Villa, and Ronaldo's contract was terminated early.
Speaking on the Stick To Football podcast, Solskjaer revealed he urged United to sign Haaland as early as summer 2018, citing a €20 million release clause. 'It was the club's decision not to go for him then,' he said. Regarding Bellingham, Solskjaer noted the teenager demanded guaranteed playing time, which United could not offer.
