Manchester United are some way off the league crown this season, lagging 14 points behind rivals Manchester City.

One way that the Red Devils are reportedly attempting to close the gap is by making a big-money move for Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland.

It is easy to see why they, and as a matter of fact, many clubs around Europe are interested in the forward.

Since joining the German giants from Red Bull Salzburg, he has plundered an eye-watering 43 goals in just 45 appearances. Pundits such as Jermain Jenas have even labelled him as “complete” at just 20 years of age.

However, it could be argued that the Red Devils simply do not need the forward despite Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reportedly being “in regular contact” with the player and therefore seemingly keen on a deal for his compatriot.

In having the likes of Marcus Rashford, Edinson Cavani, Mason Greenwood, Anthony Martial and even Bruno Fernandes already at the club, United are more than capable of putting the ball in the back of the net.

Indeed, they are the second-highest scorers in the league this season with 53 goals. It is simply not their goalscoring which has left them lagging behind Pep Guardiola’s men.

It is instead at the other end of the pitch where their standards have fallen low. United have already conceded 33 goals in the Premier League this season. Only Everton in the current top six have shipped more.

With it being reported that recruiting a new centre back is being considered by the club, the fee that it would take to bring Haaland to Old Trafford could be spent more smartly.

Currently rated at £99m, it might well be suspected that an even higher fee could be demanded by Dortmund for them to even contemplate letting their star depart – eliminating a vast chunk of United’s transfer budget.

A lack of a move could anger Solskjaer considering his apparent interest in his fellow Norwegian, but the funds being spent on other parts of the squad make a lot more sense at the current time for Ed Woodward and the Old Trafford hierarchy.

AND in other news, read why we believe Dean Henderson has to stay in goal even when David De Gea returns to action...