'Haaland alternative' Solskjaer wanted at Man Utd returned after “miracle"
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.
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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.
Raul Jimenez found some excellent form at Wolves over his first two campaigns with the club (Getty Images)Would Raul Jimenez have been a good signing for Man United? Share your thoughts in the comments below
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 to be quick and it was a really good job from the doctors.
"Since the beginning, they were really supportive with me. The skull fracture took a little bit longer than we all expected to heal and it really is a miracle for me to be here with you."
Jimenez scored six goals across the first campaign following his serious injury as he understandably struggled to find his best form. His game time at Molineux dwindled last term as he made 15 outings in the Premier League but failed to find the net.
That led to a move away from Wolves after a hugely successful five-year stint with the club. He was picked up by Fulham for £5.5m as Marco Silva’s men hunted for a replacement for Aleksandar Mitrovic - who moved to Saudi Arabia.
Speaking after the move, Jimenez said: "It's really important for me to arrive here. I will try to do my best for the team, one of the most iconic teams in the Premier League.
Raul Jimenez moved to Fulham in the summer (Getty Images)"I'm happy to be here and to play in this stadium, it's a really good stadium, I like it here. I'm going to give my best to keep scoring goals in the Premier League."
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It took until mid-November for the striker to score his first goal for the London outfit as he tapped home in a 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa. It signalled his first league strike in 19 months.
Fulham boss Silva was full of praise for Jimenez after he ended his long drought. He said: “For sure it’s going to be not so heavy the next time that he’s going to be on the pitch. It’s a tough one to go such a long time without scoring in Premier League.
“Unfortunately for us, it didn’t give the chance for us to add points with his goal. But I’m sure if he keeps working like he’s doing, if he keeps doing his best, and we keep delivering for him as well, in the future he’s going to score goals that can count towards those points for us.”
Jimenez will now be aiming to get on the scoresheet slightly more often for his new employers. Erling Haaland in the meantime continues to plunder strike after strike for Man City, with Solskjaer left pondering what could have been for both strikers.
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