Erling Haaland has revealed the pivotal role Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer played to develop him into one of Europe’s most lethal finishers.
The Borussia Dortmund striker fondly remembers his rapid development at Molde with Solskjaer enabling him to sharpen his skills inside the penalty area with extra drills together.
And the 19-year-old recalls how Solskjaer helped inspire him in a game against rivals Brann, with the results changing everything.
“Before that game, Solskjaer and I did some practice on finishing,’ Haaland told Eurosport. ”Not just crosses. I remember he taught me some easy rules.
“That was something he taught me in the days before that game and he has taught me a lot to be calm, and also be on your toes and come to those situation where the ball is coming.
“It is then you have the chance to score. He deserves a lot of credit for teaching me that.”
And it was Solskjaer’s faith that saw Haaland eventually break through in that game, striking four times in the opening 20 minutes, but Haaland credits Solskjaer’s patience in his ability after a dry spell leading up to that game.
“I remember it was frustrating as a young striker, everything goes against you in training. I was alone with the keeper and the bar, got crosses from Ole Gunnar [Solskjaer], but I missed on every opportunity,” Haaland adds.
“I remember Ole then said, ‘I think you start this game, so just be ready.’”
