Mino Raiola 'blocked Erling Braut Haaland from joining Manchester United'

Mino Raiola steered Erling Braut Haaland away from joining Manchester United in January 2020, according to Borussia Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke.

Man United were strongly linked with the Norwegian during his time at Red Bull Salzburg, but the striker ultimately joined Dortmund from the Austrian club.

The 21-year-old has scored 70 goals in 69 appearances for BVB in all competitions, and a number of clubs, including the Red Devils, are expected to compete for his signature next summer.

According to Watzke, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side made a 'better offer' for Haaland, but his agent Raiola believed that the Norwegian would be "better off" in Germany.

"The offer from Manchester United was better," Watzke told Sport1 . "However Mino Raiola realised that Erling is better off with us.

"People notice that gifted people make a breakthrough with us the quickest. That is a resounding argument for the players, the parents of the players and the advisors. We have no inhibitions about letting 17-year-olds play."

Haaland has scored 13 times in 10 appearances for Dortmund this season but is expected to be on the sidelines until next year due to a hip flexor problem.