MANCHESTER UNITED have turned their attention to Erling Haaland after they ‘dodged a bullet’ by missing out on Jadon Sancho last summer, according to reports.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made England winger Sancho, 20, his No1 target during last summer’s window.
But United failed to land their man, with Borussia Dortmund holding out for £108million.
And now, the Mirror claim United officials believed they ‘dodged a bullet’ in missing out on Sancho.
The Three Lions whizz has struggled for form this season, failing to score a single goal in 11 Bundesliga games this season, laying on just three assists.
Last term, Sancho was involved in a remarkable 34 goals in just 32 league games, scoring 17 times and adding a further 17 assists.
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His red-hot form led to a fierce battle between United and Dortmund in the summer.
The Old Trafford giants failed to lodge a formal bid before the August 10 deadline set by the Germans.
And when United did finally bid it was believed to be much lower than Dortmund‘s £108m asking price.
It’s thought United bid closer to £60m-£70m, with the remainder of the fee to be paid in instalments.
But after Sancho suddenly went cold, United are believed to be considering using the money to sign club team-mate Haaland.
Last January, Solskjaer made his move to sign compatriot Haaland – with whom he worked with as a youngster at Molde.
Then at RB Salzburg, Haaland eventually moved to Borussia Dortmund.
It’s also widely claimed Real Madrid have a ‘verbal pact’ with Dortmund they can sign the Norway star in the summer of 2022, with Barcelona also keen.
But, undeterred, United are said to be furiously chasing Haaland, 20, this month in a monster transfer.
The Red Devils have lacked an out-an-out striker in recent seasons, with Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood seemingly more comfortable on the wing.
Edinson Cavani has come in and provided a more traditional No9 option.
But aged 33, the Uruguayan is not a long-term prospect for Solskjaer, with Haaland still having an incredible future ahead of him.
He has scored 33 times in his last 32 matches for Dortmund.
And with United chiefs suddenly confident they can challenge for the Premier League, they’re willing to break the bank to bring in an elite striker.
Level on points with league leaders Liverpool, United could see Haaland as the missing piece to their puzzle rather than Sancho.
