Dimitar Berbatov believes Manchester United should not sign RB Salzburg striker Erling Haaland in January as it would hinder the development of Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford.
United’s attacking duo have 21 goals between them in all competitions so far in this campaign, but Haaland has been linked with a move to Old Trafford after a prolific start to the season in Austria.
The 19-year-old has netted 28 times already for Red Bull this season, a remarkable feat regardless of the standard of opposition defence he is coming up against.
Widespread reports have suggested Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is keen on a reunion with the player he struck a good relationship with during his time at Molde.
And according to a recent report in the Sun, the United boss is confident of securing a £76m move for the coveted forward in January.
However, former United striker Dimitar Berbatov has urged Solskjaer to remain patient with Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial.
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“I’ve said many times before that Martial and Rashford are, for me, the two main strikers that Manchester United need to keep,” Berbatov told Sky Sports.
“I played with Martial in Monaco, I know how good he can be. Now he is in the place he can develop and become a world star.
“Everyone knows how good Rashford can be as well. He is still 22, something like that, so he still has a long way to go and he can become even better.
“So, for me, they need to stick with these two players.”
Berbatov also questioned whether Haaland is the type of striker that would suit Solskjaer’s fluid system.
“If they need to buy one more [striker], I’m not sure because Manchester United fans want to see speed, beating players, getting past players, having confidence, scoring fantastic goals,” he added.
“I’m not sure that if they buy a typical centre-forward, he’s going to fit into the system.”
While Haaland’s main attributed may not be his pace and dribbling ability, he is certainly a goalscorer and United have been lacking a poacher in front of goal.
Haaland would provide Solskjaer with a plan B option and a threat in the box to get on the end of crosses delivered by the likes of Rashford and Daniel James.
