Still In Contact With Haaland, Solskjaer Dismisses The Assumption That His Former Foster Children Are Transfer Targets

JAKARTA - Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said he was in constant contact with Erling Haaland but refused to confirm whether the Borussia Dortmund striker was a target for Old Trafford's upcoming transfer.

Haaland, 20, played under Solskjaer at Molde and the United boss attempted to sign the Norwegian international from Red Bull Salzburg in the January transfer window last year.

But Haaland instead joined Dortmund where he turned into one of the most prolific forwards in the world after scoring 43 goals in 43 appearances.

Asked if Haaland was a player he would like to have at United, Solskjaer replied that as a coach who has raised children and a player like Haaland, he would "naturally" want to bring him to Old Trafford.

"It's great to see him become the player he is today and I know he will try to improve every time," continued Solskjaer, as quoted by Antara from Reuters.

"He is a Dortmund player, we can only wish him well there and see what happens next."

Given United are leading 4-0 in the last 32 of the Europa League after their win away to Real Sociedad, Solskjaer is likely to rotate his players for the home game.

Striker Edinson Cavani and midfield trio Paul Pogba, Donny van de Beek and Scott McTominay are still injured. Teenage Hannibal Mejbri is queued up for his first-team debut.

The absence of the three midfielders means that two young attackers Amad Diallo and Shola Shoretire can be deployed to face the La Liga club, although Solskjaer refuses to confirm whether the two players will start at Old Trafford later.

"Amad and Shola will definitely be involved. They are in the squad but I will not tell you whether they will start or not," continued Solskjaer.