Transfer Centre

Paul Scholes urges Manchester United to target Erling Haaland over Harry Kane

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 02 April 2021

Paul Scholes urges Man United to target Haaland over Kane

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes believes that Borussia Dortmund's Erling Braut Haaland is a better option for the Red Devils than Harry Kane.

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes believes that the Red Devils should prioritise a move for Erling Braut Haaland over Harry Kane this summer.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has refused to comment on reports linking him with a reunion with former Molde starlet Haaland, but should Edinson Cavani depart the club this summer, they are expected to pursue a new centre-forward ahead of the new season.

Kane's trophy drought at Tottenham Hotspur could supposedly lead him to seek a move elsewhere too, but Scholes does not think that the England captain is as good a fit for United as Haaland.

Speaking to Webby & O'Neill, Scholes said: "First and foremost, they need a number nine. I think the forwards they have are very good, but are any of them really a number nine, are they wide players? You just can't make sense out of it, really.

"When Cavani's played, he's looked alright, but he's picked up a few injuries. He's at that age, it was always going to happen, he was always going to be bit-part.

"They need someone who is more permanent. I know Haaland is talked about a lot, he's going to cost a lot of money. Harry Kane at Spurs, there are rumours that he might want to leave there.

"I think any one of them, you take any one of them, but I think if I had to choose, then Haaland would definitely be the one. Purely for his age, his ability, the timing of his career, he's played under Ole before.

"I think it would make sense for everyone to do it, but there's going to be other clubs in for him, so it will be difficult.

"I like Kane, I think he's brilliant. When he first came onto the scene, I likened him to Ruud (van Nistelrooy), he's a ruthless finisher, desperate to score goals. I just think at the stages of each one's career, then you get more out of Haaland."

Haaland's agent Mino Raiola and father Alf-Inge Haaland have already held discussions with Barcelona and Real Madrid over the Dortmund forward's future.