OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER is under increasing pressure at Manchester United – with Mauricio Pochettino waiting in the wings to replace him.
SunSport revealed the under-fire Old Trafford boss told his players he will be sacked if they lose to Tottenham and City in their next two games.
How Man Utd could line up under Pochettino with Kane, Eriksen and Alderweireld
Poch, 47, has long been linked with a United takeover and after his shock sacking at Spurs the Argentine is the clear favourite to succeed struggling Solskjaer.
He would inherit a squad that has stuck with a consistent backline this season with keeper David De Gea, and the centre back pairing of Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka has nailed down the right-back spot while 19-year-old Brandon Williams has emerged as the first-choice left back.
Before United splashed out a record £80m on ex-Leicester defender Maguire, they were linked with Spurs contract rebel Alderweireld – who has not extended his deal that expires in the summer.
If he were to take over, Poch could opt to pair the Belgian with Maguire or have him as competition for Lindelof – all while not paying a penny for the 30-year-old soon-to-be free agent.
United’s lack of creativity in midfield has continued to be a sticking point for Solskjaer this season, despite consistency from Scott McTominay.
Old Trafford bosses were put off spending £60m on Sporting Lisbon midfielder Bruno Fernandes this summer, a scoring talent Poch desperately tried to sign at Tottenham.
If the Argentine manager is to get his way, he could force United chiefs to pay whatever it takes to recruit Fernandes, and partner him with playmaker Paul Pogba.
They could be helped out in the transfer race with new Spurs boss Mourinho confirming they are not interested in Fernandes – with Dele Alli on form under his new manager.
Potentially following Alderweireld out the door next summer is attacking midfielder Christian Eriksen, who failed to secure a move away from North London this summer.
The Dane’s heart appears to be set on Real Madrid but Poch could tempt him to remain in England as part of a new look United side.
Another major issue for Solskjaer has been a lack of consistency with his attacking line.
Selling Romelu Lukaku to Inter Milan this summer – along with Alexis Sanchez – and not signing a replacement has cost the United boss.
Winger Daniel James, who arrived from Swansea for £15m has been a bright spark on the right wing.
But Marcus Rashford has been forced to constantly switch from out wide to down the middle throughout the campaign, and forward Anthony Martial has only five goals.
Solskjaer tells Man United stars he WILL be sacked if they lose to Spurs and Man City as Pochettino waits in wings
The solution, how possible it is or not, would be to go for Spurs hitman and serial scorer Harry Kane.
It would come at quite a cost, but club legend Roy Keane was adamant all United’s problems would end if they would be able to persuade the England skipper to make the risky switch to Old Trafford.
Kane scored 171 goals under Poch during their five seasons together, and the striker could be top of his transfer list, wherever he goes next.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
