Erling Haaland says that claims Manchester United pulled out of their pursuit of him due to excessive wage demands are “comical”, insisting that he had already settled on his move to Dortmund.
The Norway international joined the Bundesliga side last month and has proved an immediate sensation, with eight goals in 270 minutes across his five games so far .
Speaking out on his transfer from Red Bull Salzburg last month, Haaland has now rubbished reports that claimed that United withdrew from signing him due to unacceptable terms.
The 19-year-old had previously played under Solskjaer during their time together at Molde, with the striker adding that he has utmost respect for his former boss – but he stressed that he rejected them as he felt a move to Signal Iduna Park was the right call for him.
“Ole has been very important for me in getting to where I am today,” Haaland stated in an interview with Viasport . “But we concluded that Dortmund was the best option for me.
“That was where I felt best about, and therefore it became Dortmund.”
Pressed on the rumours that the Red devils balked at his wage demands, the Leeds-born forward dismissed such reports, saying: “No, it’s the guys writing would have to speak to that.
“They’ll have to explain it to me if they meet me. It’s not my focus, whatsoever.
“It’s kind of comical if I were to get that label. All the people closest to me know that’s not the kind of person I am.”
Haaland further highlighted the key role played by agent Mino Raiola in helping to secure his deal at the club, stating: “He’s the best in the world at what he does, as simple as that. He’s the best agent.
“He gets a lot of negativity, and that’s probably because he’s doing such a great job for those he’s working for. He has helped a lot and he’s a good guy to have around.”
