OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER has vowed never to repeat Manchester United’s costly mistake over flop Alexis Sanchez – as he puts squad harmony above recruiting huge earners.
That’s the claim from ESPN, who say the Old Trafford boss has told executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward he will not risk upsetting dressing-room stability by bowing to players’ demands.
Alexis Sanchez was on almost £500k a week at Man Utd when bonuses were added as one of their worst-value buys everCredit: AFP or licensors
Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is determined to keep a careful pay structure and put squad unity firstCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The disharmony Sanchez’s £400,000-a-week pay reportedly caused amongst squad-mates when previous manager Jose Mourinho landed him from Arsenal in 2018 was sent soaring by the striker’s form disintegrating.
Two testing years later, the Chilean finally departed in a permanent switch to Inter Milan this summer.
But when you consider Sanchez’s weekly salary topped half a million with bonuses, it is understandable why he is rated the prime example of United’s transfer folly since Alex Ferguson’s legendary reign ended in 2013.
In contrast, ESPN suggest Holland midfielder Donny van de Beek’s move from Ajax last week was completed quickly and smoothly because the Ajax star was content to fit into United’s pay structure.
It’s the latest sign Solskjaer is restoring the Red Devils to their old unity on and off the field.
That’s typified by the future of Paul Pogba and David de Gea now appearing far less of a headache.
After two seasons of talk that Pogba might join Real Madrid or old club Juventus, the French World Cup winner appears content as a part of Solskjaer’s exciting revamp.
And De Gea having signed a new long-term contract, United’s main dilemma over the keeper now is whether he deserves to retain the No1 shirt ahead of Dean Henderson following a faltering 2019-20.
Nonetheless, Solskjaer’s tougher stance on wages might make landing top targets like Borussia Dortmund attacker Jadon Sancho and Bayern Munich’s Thiago Alcantara extra difficult.
Watch Man Utd boss Solskjaer roll back the years with clinical two-touch finish into top corner in training
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
