Whenever super agent Rayola speaks, football clubs across Europe tend to prick up their ears and listen, then pick out any metaphor in their favor. Unfortunately for United, the super agent gave the impression last week when he spoke to the German media about the future of Dortmund striker Haaland. Among the many interesting answers, Raiola said there could be plenty of big clubs to be a tempting destination next season for the tall striker, but United don't seem to be one of them. So what is the reason for the football moguel to remove Manchester United from its list of potential buyers next summer?
Perhaps the most telling thing about Raiola's remarks is how he highlights City's success and compares it to a trophy that United has not won in recent seasons. Asked which clubs could bid for Haaland in the upcoming summer transfer window, the super agent said: "He can and will take the next step. Bayern, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester City – these are the big clubs he can go to. City have won the title five times in the last few years, far outpacing Manchester United. We all know that when we leave Dortmund, this step will come. "While Raiola may have gone a little too far, the agent certainly made sense. United have not won the Premier League since 2013 and the Champions League since 2008, and their last major trophy was the FA Cup from almost five years ago. It's not an alluring place for the best players in the world.
Another reason Laiola excludes United as his star striker destination is that the club already has too many strikers. According to the latest statistics, Lonnick has no less than 6 players this season who can play in Haaland's No. 9 position. Even if the club are able to sell Jesse Lingard, Martial and Cavani, if he is to move to Old Trafford, then Rashford, Greenwood and Cristiano Ronaldo still have to compete with Harlan for one or two places. This is not ideal for Norwegians.
One of the biggest obstacles to United signing the Laiola player is that they are still trying to convince the super agent's existing client Pogba to stay at Old Trafford. Laiola has confirmed that the England club have offered the Frenchman a new contract, but over the past 12 months he has not wasted any opportunity to taunt the club and the way they take care of his players. If Pogba doesn't get much love at Manchester United, why would Laiola suggest Harlan go there and possibly make the same mistake?