Manchester United have been told to abandon plans to sign Erling Haaland.

The RB Salzburg star is among Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s top targets in January, with United prioritising a striker and a midfielder when the transfer window reopens.

Haaland has thrust himself into Solskjaer’s plans after scoring 28 goals this season – including eight in three Champions League starts.

But former United striker Dimitar Berbatov claims it would be a mistake to move for any forward in the New Year because it could disrupt Marcus Rashford’s development.

Rashford is in the form of his life with 13 goals in his last 14 games.

Solskjaer has likened the England international to Cristiano Ronaldo after watching him inspire crucial wins against Tottenham and Manchester City over the past week – and Berbatov believes United need to keep faith in his partnership with Anthony Martial.

“I don’t think United need to sign a striker in January as they have decent options up front already,” he said. “I want Marcus Rashford to get better and better, I’m a big admirer of Anthony Martial and am keen to see Mason Greenwood get more time on the pitch.

“I think United have the talent there and signing a new striker, whether it’s an emerging talent like Haaland or the more experienced Mario Mandzukic, could discourage their young players.

“I know there’s speculation about Haaland coming to United in January. He’s a big centre-forward, an old-fashioned target man who scores tap-ins - so quite different from Rashford and Martial.

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“Haaland would offer United something different, but coming from Red Bull Salzburg in the Austrian Bundesliga would be a massive step up, so United need to think carefully about if he’s the right man and how he would fit in with their style of play.”

Solskjaer has openly admitted he left himself short by failing to replace Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez in the summer.

He’s been holding monthly meetings with his recruitment department in a bid to identify targets for January and the summer, with Richarlison, Callum Wilson, Moussa Dembele and Timo Werner among the options under consideration.

Berbatov claims the ideal candidate is well out of United’s reach.

“If they could get Harry Kane then that would be great, because he has everything,” said the Betfair ambassador. “But it’s not going to happen.

“United fans want to see strikers who play with the element of surprise, beating defenders and shooting from different angles, so the way to deal with the pressure as a new United striker is to be different.

“There aren’t many strikers around who are available and would fit into United’s system.”

United’s hierarchy have assured Solskjaer he will be given the funds to complete his United rebuild, are prepared to let him sign any targets that become available in January.

Jadon Sancho remains a top target, with James Maddison and Emre Can midfield options.

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