MANCHESTER UNITED boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is still being backed by the board – and will be given six new signings to save his job.
The Norwegian manager will be supported in the transfer market as the club give him a chance to turn it around, The Time reports.
Solskjaer could bring in SIX new players in a bid to save his jobCredit: Getty
Ed Woodward may opt to give Solskjaer free reign with the budget over the next week in a bid to salvage something from the wreckage that is this season.
And the Red Devils boss could make a case for needing at least two more windows to create a team and a squad in his own image.
This United XI for the loss against Burnley was made up of signings from FIVE separate bosses, all the way back to Sir Alex Ferguson.
Solskjaer has only made three signings as United boss – Aaron Wan-Bissaka (£50million), Harry Maguire (£85m) and Daniel James (£15m) last summer.
James, above all others, has shined the brightest, but Wan-Bissaka has already become a key man in the back-four.
Maguire is yet to recapture his Leicester form, but is perhaps struggling to cope with leading an otherwise struggling and ever-rotating defensive line.
So half a dozen new faces of Solskjaer’s choosing could be just the ticket. But what positions will he strengthen and who’s in the running to come to Old Trafford?
A FULL-BACK
United should seriously consider splashing the cash on ChilwellCredit: Reuters
WAN-BISSAKA has made the right-back spot his own, with fit-again Diogo Dalot set to provide more than competent back-up.
But on the left, Solskjaer doesn’t seem to know whether to run with the unpredictable Luke Shaw or youngster Brandon Williams.
The United boss may opt to bring in someone to be a leading light on the left and use the above duo as back-up.
The likes of Ben Chilwell and David Alaba have both been linked with a move away from their respective clubs – and United should throw their hat into the ring.
Elsewhere, Alejandro Grimaldo would be an exciting prospect if United aim to tempt Benfica with an enticing, big-money bid.
TWO CENTRAL MIDFIELDERS
Man Utd should go all out to sign Barcelona ace Ivan RakiticCredit: AFP
NEMANJA MATIC and Fred. That is United’s current midfield tandem and that simply is not going to cut it at a club with any sort of ambition.
Scott McTominay is set to return from injury next month, while Paul Pogba looks like he is on his way out with just 18 months on his contract.
Signing TWO centre-mids is imperative – this window, if possible – with Inter Milan star Matias Vecino hotly linked.
United have also been tipped to move for classy Barcelona outcast Ivan Rakitic – who would be the perfect player for this Red Devils team.
Elsewhere, Solskjaer is looking to the future, targeting 16-year-old Birmingham star Jude Bellingham in a £30m deal.
ONE No10
James Maddison could well be on the move to United this monthCredit: Rex Features
IT was meant to be Bruno Fernandes – and for all the world it seemed like it would be.
But talks between United and Sporting broke down as both clubs stubbornly refused to give any quarter with their valuation of the Portuguese superstar.
Most Resd fans would argue that the club should have met Sporting’s demand of £68m, but as it is the deal is dead.
But there is a hoard of quality No10s in the world, with Philippe Coutinho and Christian Eriksen both talented AND – most importantly – available this month.
Inter have been close to landing Tottenham man Eriksen, but talks have stalled over the transfer fee.
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich are set to cut ex-Liverpool star Coutinho’s loan deal short – and with him unwanted at Barcelona, United could capitalise.
Elsewhere, Premier League superstars James Maddison and Jack Grealish are incredible alternatives for both now and the future.
ONE WINGER
Jadon Sancho has long been a top target of Man UtdCredit: Getty
JAMES has nailed down the right-wing spot this season with his endless running and heart.
Marcus Rashford has been superb from the left too, but he is now injured and Man Utd have been forced to delve deep into the squad to replace him.
Juan Mata, Andreas Pereira, Mason Greenwood and Jesse Lingard are all options to be shoehorned into the position.
But an out-and-out left-winger is absolutely what the doctor ordered this month.
Jadon Sancho has long been United’s top target in that position, but they may need to wait until the summer and break their transfer record to land the England ace.
Burnley youngster Dwight McNeil would be a more viable option this month – five years after the club axed him from their youth ranks.
ONE STRIKER
Man Utd are keeping tabs on Lyon striker Moussa DembeleCredit: AFP
ANTHONY MARTIAL just hasn’t lived up to his undoubted potential – and Rashford is clearly more comfortable cutting in from the left.
That leaves 18-year-old Mason Greenwood as the only other striker in the squad and it’s unfair to put so much pressure on a teenager.
Solskjaer is now battling Chelsea to sign Lyon star Moussa Dembele, while looking to Inter Milan again to snap up Lautaro Martinez.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reacts to Man Utd’s loss at home to Burnley
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
