Ex-Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer claims Cristiano Ronaldo would score more goals than Erling Haaland for Manchester City
Former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer feels Cristiano Ronaldo would score more goals than Erling Haaland in the current Manchester City side. He believes that the forward is still capable of dominating world football.
Speaking at the Oslo Business Forum, (via Yahoo Sports) Solskjaer stated that Ronaldo did well in a dysfunctional Manchester United side. He said:
"He'd probably score more than Erling Haaland is doing at the moment [for Manchester City]. So I speak to Cristiano, we get him to Manchester United but I think maybe that affected the whole dressing room, the dynamics in the dressing room.
"Maybe other players felt less important because, obviously, this is one of the world superstars that comes in. He did well, he was top scorer that year with 24 goals or something, but I was out of a job 10 weeks later."
Erling Haaland matched Cristiano Ronaldo's record of being the fastest to score 100 goals for a single European club. The Manchester City star reached his century in 105 matches, same as the Manchester United legend during his time at Real Madrid.
Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo had almost joined Manchester City before Erling Haaland
Cristiano Ronaldo once admitted that he almost joined Manchester City, a year before they signed Erling Haaland. He claimed that Pep Guardiola wanted him but Sir Alex Ferguson made him rejoin Manchester United.
He told British broadcaster Piers Morgan in 2022 (via Eurosport):
“Honestly, it [moving to City] was close. They spoke a lot and [Manchester boss Pep] Guardiola said two weeks ago. Honestly, it [moving to City] was close. They spoke a lot and [Manchester boss Pep] Guardiola said two weeks ago that they tried hard to have me.. But, as you know, my history is in Manchester United. Your heart, you're feeling the way you did before, and it made the difference. And of course, as well, Sir Alex Ferguson. It was a conscious decision because the heart speaks loud in that moment.
"I think it [speaking with Ferguson] was the key. I wouldn't say that Manchester City wasn't close. But I think, I did [make] a conscious decision. I don't regret at some point. And as you mentioned before, Sir Alex Ferguson was the key. I spoke with him… He said to me that, 'It's impossible for you to come to Manchester City'. And I said 'OK, Boss'. So I took the decisions and I repeat: I was with conscience that it was a good decision."
Cristiano Ronaldo mutually terminated his contract at Manchester United in 2022 and moved to Al Nassr. Meanwhile, Erling Haaland has been in stunning form and has scored 10 Premier League goals in six games this season.