Tor-Kristian Karlsen, a Norwegian football scout who
has worked for several leading European clubs, gives us the
lowdown on Mame Biram Diouf, Molde's Senegalese forward who
was
signed today by Manchester
United. Robert Dineen asks the questions.
Sir Alex Ferguson had said he would not make any further
signings this summer. Were you surprised that he moved for
Diouf?
There had been much speculation over the past
week that he would leave Norway as he scored four goals in
Molde's most recent home game in front of about 20 scouts but
nobody expected him to go to United.
He had been linked with clubs in Germany and Holland while FC
Copenhagen, the biggest club in Scandinavia, had made a bid but he
seems to have skipped a rung on the career ladder by signing for
United.
How did the signing come about?
Diouf's agent has helped several young players move to United's
academy so they had a relationship with him but the strongest link
was with Ole Gunnar Solkskjaer, the United reserve team manager who
used to play for Molde. You suspect he will have alerted Sir Alex
about Diouf and about the increased interest in him over the past
few days.
What kind of player is Diouf?
He is centre forward with attributes that make him a very exciting
prospect. He is extremely strong, quick and excellent in the air.
In his first two seasons at Molde, he had played on the right wing
without making a great impact, partly because he was profligate in
front of goal. But he switched to centre forward this season and
his finishing is hugely improved.
Is he good enough for United?
He certainly has the qualities needed to adapt to the quicker tempo
and increased physical demands of English football. He is also
popular with team-mates and fans, which suggests he has the
personality needed to adapt to the spotlight.
But I'm not sure how close he would get to the United first team
and he may have been better served by moving to a side in the
middle or lower end of the Premier League.
The fee has not been disclosed. How much is he
worth?
Before United moved for him, he was expected to fetch about £2
million but speculation suggests Sir Alex will pay closer to £4
million, beginning with a lump sum and further instalments based on
appearances. That would present quite a profit on a player that
Molde recruited from an academy in Dakar.