Former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed that the club once had the chance to sign both Erling Haaland and Jude Bellingham for less than €50 million combined. However, the Old Trafford hierarchy failed to follow his advice, ultimately losing out on two of the brightest stars in world football today.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who managed Manchester United between late 2018 and 2021, has reignited debate around the club’s transfer strategy by disclosing details of missed opportunities during his tenure. In a recent interview, the Norwegian coach revealed that United could have secured both Erling Haaland and Jude Bellingham—now among the finest players in Europe—for a combined fee of under €50 million.
According to Solskjaer, at the time, both players were still at the dawn of their careers. Haaland was emerging as a prolific young striker at RB Salzburg, while Bellingham was making headlines as a teenage prodigy at Birmingham City. Their transfer fees were relatively modest compared to their massive potential.
The former United boss explained that he repeatedly urged the club’s hierarchy to move decisively. Having coached Haaland during his early days at Molde, Solskjaer knew the forward’s ceiling was sky-high. “I knew Haaland could become one of the best strikers in the world. The chance to bring him to Old Trafford while he was still at Salzburg was obvious. His release clause back then was under €20 million. Similarly, Bellingham was available for just over €25 million, which would have been a bargain,” Solskjaer recalled.
Despite his recommendations, the board declined to act. At the time, United’s transfer dealings were frequently criticized for lacking clear vision and decisiveness. Haaland went on to join Borussia Dortmund, where his blistering goal-scoring form catapulted him into stardom. Bellingham, meanwhile, also chose Dortmund, where he blossomed into one of the best young midfielders in the world before sealing a high-profile move to Real Madrid.
The regret has only deepened as both players’ careers have soared. Haaland has since fired Manchester City to Premier League and Champions League glory while breaking scoring records at an astonishing pace. Bellingham, still in his early 20s, has already established himself as a cornerstone of Real Madrid’s midfield and one of the most influential players in world football.
Manchester United, in contrast, have stumbled through a difficult rebuilding process. Massive investments in players like Jadon Sancho, Antony, and Harry Maguire have failed to deliver the desired success. The club’s inconsistency on the pitch has made the missed chances to sign Haaland and Bellingham even more painful for supporters.
Reflecting on the situation, Solskjaer admitted his frustration: “Those were the deals that could have changed everything. I saw their potential very early, but as a manager you don’t control every decision at a club the size of United. Now, it’s just history.”
His revelation has sparked fierce debate among Manchester United fans. Many see it as further evidence of the club’s poor management and flawed recruitment strategy over the past decade. On social media, some supporters joked that United inadvertently “saved” Haaland and Bellingham by allowing them to flourish elsewhere, while others sarcastically thanked the club for “protecting their careers from Old Trafford.”
The story of Haaland and Bellingham serves as a sobering reminder for Manchester United: having financial power means little without sharp decision-making and foresight in the transfer market. Missing out on transformative signings not only sets the team back but also strengthens their rivals.
Today, under manager Rúben Amorim, United are once again battling inconsistency and scrutiny. Solskjaer’s comments have only intensified the pressure on the current board, with fans demanding a more competent and forward-thinking recruitment policy.
Ultimately, the missed signings of Haaland and Bellingham highlight a painful truth: in football, a single poor decision in the transfer market can cost a club dearly for years to come. For Manchester United, those mistakes remain stark reminders of what could—and perhaps should—have been.