OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER has been assured he is the man to lead Manchester United into the future even if they fail to clinch a European spot for the 2020-21 season.
SunSport revealed the Norwegian, 46, will be given the full backing of the board for the rest of this month’s transfer window AND the summer.
How Man Utd could line-up after two windows under Solskjaer
Fernandes is unquestionably Man Utd’s No1 targetCredit: EPA
So how might they look at the start of next season?
United have been linked with a host of top talent in recent weeks – most notably their seemingly endless pursuit of Bruno Fernandes.
But Solskjaer may need to buy all of the big names he’s chasing if he harbours any ambition of getting Man Utd back to the top.
Despite regressing in recent months, David De Gea’s spot in the starting XI appears safe – if only due to the the fact there are more pressing concerns in the team.
Solskjaer’s first big-money buys – Harry Maguire (£80million) and Aaron Wan-Bissaka (£50m) – from last summer are safe for now, too.
But Maguire needs a new partner in the heart of defence and long-term target Kalidou Koulibaly could be just the man.
The Napoli star, 28, has been a rock in the heart of the Serie A giants’ defence and at close to £90m would be worth every penny for struggling United.
Brandon Williams has already proven to be better than Luke Shaw this season and should be given a run in the team this term to nail down his spot for 2020-21.
Fred and Nemanja Matic is not a dream starting midfield partnership – but that’s what Man Utd have been forced to field recently, including in the 2-0 loss to arch-rivals Liverpool.
Paul Pogba – injured at present – is a near-certainty to leave in the summer, meaning new blood will need to be brought it.
James Maddison and Matias Vecino are the top targets in those positions, in what would prove a dynamic and creative tandem – much-needed at Old Trafford.
Further up the pitch, Marcus Rashford and Daniel James have been rare bright spots in an otherwise miserable United team this season on the wings and will surely be in the team next season.
In the No10 spot, it’s time to ditch Andreas Pereira and Jesse Lingard and sign that superstar they so crave – Sporting star Fernandes.
Whether this month or in the summer, there’s seemingly little doubt United will get their man.
Up front, Anthony Martial’s horror miss against Liverpool proved he’s failed to fulfil his undoubted potential.
While dangerous cutting in from the left-wing, Rashford is arguably the better player out wide – with an out-and-out centre-forward desperately needed.
Lautaro Martinez is a name which keeps cropping up, but he’s unlikely to join this month – with the summer a more viable option.
His goal-threat through the middle could be just what United need to get back to the top of English football.
Man Utd are keeping tabs on Inter Milan star Lautaro MartinezCredit: Getty
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Man United job is safe even if Red Devils miss out on European spot altogether
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
