What happened to 'Erling Haaland alternative' Ole Solskjaer wanted at Man Utd

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer never hid his admiration of Norwegian hitman Erling Haaland.

The former Manchester United boss coached the striker at Molde and suggested that the Red Devils make their move in 2018. His recommendation was ignored as Haaland went on to make his name with Red Bull Salzburg before moves to Borussia Dortmund and Manchester City.

Ahead of his switch to the Etihad, United were genuine contenders to finally sign the forward. But Solskjaer had alternatives in mind - one being former Wolves star Raul Jimenez.

United were linked with a move for the Mexican striker during his second season at Molineux after a permanent switch from Benfica. He was in the midst of some stunning form in the West Midlands with 44 goals across 99 appearances in all competitions.

A move for Jimenez never came about and he has been on quite the journey since. After a bright start to the 2020/21 season, he saw his campaign cruelly cut short.

The former Atletico Madrid man sustained a fractured skull in an accidental collision with David Luiz, the Brazilian then representing Arsenal. He received oxygen on the pitch and was forced to undergo emergency surgery.

Jimenez’s recovery was gruelling but after nine months on the sidelines, he scored his first goal in a pre-season friendly against Stoke before starting Wolves’ Premier League opener versus Midlands neighbours Leicester wearing custom protective headwear.

Speaking about his return, the striker said: "Since the first moment, the surgeons and doctors told me what happened and the risks. Sometimes it's not what you want to hear but it's their job. They told me it was a miracle to be here.

"The bone had broken and there was a little bit of bleeding inside my brain. That's why the surgery had