Manchester City striker Erling Haaland could face an uncertain future at the Etihad Stadium amid the club’s ongoing legal battle over alleged Financial Fair Play (FFP) breaches, with former Manchester United midfielder Quinton Fortune urging the Red Devils to consider signing the Norwegian superstar if City are expelled from the Premier League.
Fortune believes Manchester United could take advantage of a potential crisis at their city rivals by recruiting some of their best players should the Premier League impose severe sanctions on Pep Guardiola’s side.
Manchester City are facing serious consequences after an Independent Commission found the club guilty of FFP breaches relating to the period between 2009 and 2018. However, the reigning English football giants have strongly denied any wrongdoing and have already lodged an appeal against the findings.
If Manchester City lose their appeal, they could face significant punishments, including possible relegation to the lower divisions of English football and the stripping of titles won during the period under investigation.
Such a development could trigger a major transfer exodus at the Etihad Stadium, potentially making some of the club’s biggest stars available to European football’s leading teams.
Quinton Fortune Urges Manchester United to Sign Erling Haaland
Fortune believes Manchester United should consider recruiting several Manchester City players if the club suffers relegation, with Haaland among the biggest names who could become available.
The former United midfielder identified five Manchester City stars who could strengthen the Red Devils, including Nico O’Reilly, Rayan Cherki, Marc Guehi, Elliot Anderson and Haaland.
Speaking about the possibility of Manchester United signing players from their biggest rivals, Fortune acknowledged that such transfers could be controversial among supporters but insisted that the quality of Manchester City’s squad would make some players difficult to ignore.
According to Football365, Fortune said: “Players coming directly from City, I don’t know how United fans would take that!”
He praised O’Reilly’s versatility, highlighting his ability to operate at left-back, centre-back and in midfield, while comparing his adaptability to former Manchester United defender John O’Shea.
Fortune also expressed admiration for Cherki’s technical ability and creativity, describing the French midfielder as a special talent because of what he can produce with the ball.
However, he ruled out the possibility of Phil Foden moving to Old Trafford, pointing to the England international’s strong emotional connection with Manchester City.
Fortune also identified Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi and Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson as potential additions who could improve Manchester United’s squad.
Haaland, however, remains the standout name on his list, with the former United star joking that he would happily take the Norwegian striker if there were any players left to sign.
The possibility of Haaland switching to Old Trafford would represent one of the most sensational transfers in Premier League history, given the intense rivalry between Manchester United and Manchester City.
Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich Interested in Haaland
Manchester United could face significant competition if Haaland becomes available, with several European heavyweights reportedly monitoring his situation at Manchester City.
According to TEAMtalk transfer insider Graeme Bailey, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich are interested in securing the striker’s signature.
Arsenal are also reportedly prepared to explore a move for Haaland should the opportunity arise.
The Norwegian international has established himself as one of the most prolific strikers in world football since joining Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund in 2022.
His remarkable goalscoring record, physical presence, pace and finishing ability have made him one of the most sought-after forwards in European football.
A potential Manchester City relegation could significantly alter the transfer market, with clubs across Europe potentially competing to secure the services of the Premier League champions’ leading players.
Nevertheless, Haaland’s future remains uncertain, and any potential transfer would depend on several factors, including Manchester City’s appeal, the eventual outcome of the case and the club’s willingness to consider offers.
Phil Foden Unlikely to Join Manchester United
While Fortune believes Manchester United could benefit from recruiting several Manchester City players, he does not expect Foden to make the controversial move across Manchester.
The England international has developed a strong association with Manchester City after progressing through the club’s academy and becoming one of its most important players.
Fortune described Foden as a die-hard Manchester City supporter, suggesting that his loyalty to the club would make a move to Old Trafford highly unlikely.
Unlike some players who may consider leaving if Manchester City are relegated, Foden’s long-standing connection with the club could influence his decision to remain at the Etihad Stadium.
However, the situation could change significantly depending on the outcome of Manchester City’s appeal and any punishment eventually imposed on the club.
Quinton Fortune Says Jose Mourinho Would Reject 2017/18 Premier League Medal
Fortune has also shared his thoughts on the possibility of former Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho receiving a Premier League winner’s medal from the 2017/18 season if Manchester City are stripped of their title.
Manchester City finished top of the Premier League that campaign, with Manchester United finishing second under Mourinho.
The Portuguese manager guided United to an impressive second-place finish, securing 81 points in a season in which City accumulated 100 points to claim the championship.
However, following the findings concerning Manchester City’s alleged financial breaches, questions have emerged about whether titles won during the period under investigation could be revoked.
Fortune believes Mourinho would reject any retrospective winner’s medal if Manchester City were stripped of the 2017/18 title.
The former United midfielder argued that winning a championship through fair competition is more important than receiving recognition years after the event.
According to Football365, Fortune said he had been thinking about how Manchester City allegedly managed to avoid consequences for so long and described the situation as unprecedented in football.
He added that he would personally reject a medal if he knew the title had not been earned fairly.
Fortune compared the alleged financial breaches to performance-enhancing drugs in athletics, arguing that victories should be achieved through legitimate means.
He also expressed confidence that Mourinho would take a similar position, considering the Portuguese manager’s achievements throughout his career.
Mourinho’s Manchester United Achievements Remain Significant
Despite Manchester United finishing second behind Manchester City in the 2017/18 Premier League campaign, Mourinho’s time at Old Trafford included several notable achievements.
The former Chelsea, Real Madrid, Porto and Inter Milan manager won the UEFA Europa League, the League Cup and the Community Shield during his tenure at Manchester United.
Fortune believes Mourinho would consider his achievements at Old Trafford significant regardless of whether the 2017/18 Premier League title is eventually reassigned.
He pointed to Mourinho’s success in winning the UEFA Champions League with Porto and Inter Milan, as well as his accomplishments at Real Madrid, to emphasise the manager’s established reputation as a winner.
Fortune suggested that Mourinho would not be interested in receiving a Premier League medal awarded retrospectively, particularly given the circumstances surrounding the potential decision.
He believes the Portuguese manager values the manner in which trophies are won and would prefer to be remembered for achievements secured on the pitch.
Manchester City’s FFP Case Could Trigger Major Premier League Changes
Manchester City’s ongoing appeal against the Independent Commission’s findings remains a major issue for English football.
The alleged breaches cover a period between 2009 and 2018, during which Manchester City established themselves as one of the dominant forces in the Premier League.
The club won three Premier League titles, one FA Cup, three League Cups and one Community Shield during the period in question.
Although Manchester City have maintained their innocence and are challenging the findings, the possibility of severe sanctions has fuelled speculation about the futures of several key players.
A potential relegation could place the club under considerable pressure to restructure its squad, while leading European clubs could look to take advantage of the situation.
For Manchester United, the prospect of signing Haaland and other Manchester City stars would present an extraordinary opportunity to strengthen their squad.
However, no transfer involving Haaland or the other players mentioned has been confirmed, and the outcome of Manchester City’s appeal will be crucial in determining what happens next.
For now, Haaland remains a Manchester City player, while Fortune’s comments have added further intrigue to an already high-profile situation involving the two Manchester rivals.
