According to a report by Manchesterevening News on Saturday October 17, 2026, Former Manchester United defender Paul Parker has urged his former club to reject any opportunity to sign Erling Haaland, instead recommending two Manchester City players as better transfer targets.

City were found guilty of 114 of 115 alleged Premier League financial rule breaches. Although they deny wrongdoing and have appealed, potential punishments include fines, points deductions or expulsion, raising uncertainty over several players’ futures.

Haaland has attracted interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona amid speculation about City’s possible sanctions. However, despite scoring 172 goals in 207 appearances, Parker insists the Norwegian would not be his preferred signing for United.

Speaking to PariuriX.com, Parker said: “I wouldn’t take Haaland at Man Utd. I wouldn’t want to see him at the club with the way he plays.” He added that, despite the striker’s reputation, he personally would not pursue the deal.

Instead, Parker identified Nico O’Reilly and Marc Guehi as players United should consider recruiting from their Manchester rivals. He praised O’Reilly’s quality, describing him as a “super player,” while dismissing interest in Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson.

Regarding Guehi, Parker acknowledged the defender has declined from his Crystal Palace form but believes United urgently need improvements across their defence. He considers the England international a worthwhile option to strengthen the back four.

Meanwhile, former United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer previously revealed that he recommended signing Haaland before the striker left Molde for Red Bull Salzburg.

Solskjaer explained that he contacted United in 2018, urging officials to secure the forward because he believed the youngster would become exceptional. However, the club rejected his recommendation despite receiving encouraging reports about the player.

Recalling his efforts, Solskjaer said: “You’ve got to sign this boy. He’ll be top class.” He later repeated his advice after becoming caretaker manager, highlighting Haaland’s affordable release clause.

According to Solskjaer, the striker could have been signed for approximately €20 million, representing outstanding value. United nevertheless failed to act before Salzburg completed the transfer.

By the time Haaland began scoring regularly in Austria, Borussia Dortmund, Juventus and other clubs were competing for his signature. His subsequent release clause reportedly reached €60 million, highlighting the opportunity United missed.