Solskjaer: We'll have to see where Haaland ends up

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has made a rare move of talking about another club’s player when answering questions on Erling Haaland. The Borussia Dortmund striker has 22 goals in 22 appearances in all competitions this season but his ability is well-known to Solskjaer who managed him at Molde.

Manchester United were interested in Haaland last year but were reportedly put off the deal by demands made by his agent, Mino Raiola. Raiola wanted include a buyout clause into Haaland’s new contract which United weren’t prepared to agree to.

Solskjaer has sung the praises of Haaland, insisting he is keeping an eye on his career and has high hopes for his future.

It’s quite certain Erling will have a fantastic career and I have always said that. I follow Erling closely. Was it 18 months we spent together or thereabouts? Almost two years maybe. It was a fantastic time. He will definitely have a super career both for Norway and for his club. He’s doing incredibly well for Dortmund, so we have to see where he ends up. As a Norwegian and someone who has worked with him, of course it’s great to see he is doing so well.

We will do our best to become a better team, and he will do his best to be a better player, but where will he end up? I do not want to say anything apart from wishing him all the best. The choice he makes is up to him.

After scoring four goals in 20 appearances during his first season with Solskjaer, he was in much better form the following season. The biggest moment of his career at the time was when he scored four goals in the first 21 minutes against unbeaten league leaders Brann, with Solskjaer giving him some advice a day earlier at the training ground.

I guess Erling remembers when we sat at Lubbenes the day before the match against Brann. I felt that was an important day for Molde, him and our relationship. He had a very bad period before that. He probably remembers it himself. It is really enjoyable to follow him. He will have a long, long, long career that will exceed most of what any Norwegian footballers have experienced.