Erling Braut Haaland’s father Alf-Inge surprisingly backs Norwegian starlet’s Manchester United move

Erling Braut Haaland’s father, Alf-Inge, has claimed it would be ‘nice’ if his son joined Manchester United despite the bad history between him and the club.

Haaland burst onto the Champions League scene in style on Tuesday night, scoring a quickfire hat-trick in the first-half as RB Salzburg thrashed Genk 6-2.

The 19-year-old Norwegian forward has now attracted interest from Manchester United, managed by compatriot Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Man United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer managed Haaland at Molde during the 2017-18 season

A move to United could be seen as a surprise with his father having played for both Leeds and Manchester City back in the day – the Premier League side’s main rivals. 

The former defensive midfielder is very well remembered for his infamous feuds with Roy Keane and has previously admitted: ‘I really dislike United and I can’t stand their players’. 

And Alf-Inge’s feud with Keane reached boiling point when the latter produced a horror challenge on the then City player in April 2001 at Old Trafford, which ultimately cut short his career as he never played a full game again following the impact to his right knee.

But despite the negative history between Alf-Inge and United, he claimed he would like to see his son join the Premier League giants.  

Roy Keane produced this horror challenge on Alf-Inge, which ultimately cut short his career

Keane shouts at Alf-Inge on the ground as he receives treatment following the horror tackle

‘It would be nice,’ the 46-year-old told TV2. ‘It is important to distinguish between being a supporter and a job.

‘So I have a very relaxed relationship with that. It’s a little different when it’s serious.  

‘Yes, I think most players dream of being in the Premier League at one time or another. It’s the league that gets the most attention around, and it has very good quality teams.

‘There is no doubt the Premier League is attractive to him.’

Following Haaland’s hat-trick heroics, United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer heaped praise on the Salzburg prodigy.  

Haaland celebrates in front of Salzburg’s fans on Tuesday night in the Champions League

Haaland stole the headlines against Genk in the Champions League after taking his tally for the season to 14 goals in just 10 games.

Solskjaer managed the teenage sensation during his time in charge of Norwegian side Molde and admitted he was impressed with his performance.  

‘It was nice watching the game last night,’ Solskjaer said of Haaland. ‘But my focus obviously is on the game tomorrow [against Astana]. 

‘It’s great watching him and I think everyone in Norway is excited by his development.’