Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has vowed that he will restore the pride to Manchester United by purchasing the right sort of player this summer.
With the Red Devils at their lowest ebb for a generation after failing to win a trophy or qualify for the Champions League next season, Solskjaer knows that his own job will be on the line if United don’t perform.
That’s why he is promising to buy only the best in the coming months.
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“You have to have a certain kind of attitude about you to make you a Manchester United player,” Solskjaer told United’s official app. “You have got to have the qualities and our fans want to see exciting players.”
Asked if he was already on the hunt for new signings, the Norwegian said that “we’re scouting the market, trying to find the right ones”.
Results off the pitch
That was also the message from United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward, reports Sky Sports, as he pledged that no financial stone will be left unturned as the club tries to forget this “turbulent season”.
United’s revenue in the third quarter was up by 3.4% to £152.1m with a 94% rise in operating profits to £14.2m, and that prompted a bullish declaration from Woodward.
“Preparations for the new season are under way and the underlying strength of our business will allow us to support the manager and his team as we look to the future,” he said.
“The strength of our business means we have the financial resources to continue to provide a solid foundation for backing the manager and creating success on the pitch. This, as ever, remains our number one goal.”
Lewandowski bid
One marquee signing this summer could be Bayern Munich marksman Robert Lewandowski, reports the Daily Mirror.
With question marks over the futures of Alexis Sanchez and Romelu Lukaku, United are said to be on the lookout for a proven goalscorer.
The 30-year-old Polish striker has scored 22 goals in 32 matches this season for the German champions, and while Bayern want to extend Lewandowski’s stay, he is said to be weighing up his options.
United will face competition from Paris Saint-Germain with the Mirror claiming that both clubs are “monitoring his situation having enquired about his availability”.
Sancho doubts
Metro reports that United’s failure to qualify for the Champions League could have ramifications in the transfer market this summer regardless of the riches at their disposal.
The paper claims that Borussia Dortmund and England star Jadon Sancho “has major reservations” about signing for United.
The 19-year-old winger is believed to be one of Solskjaer’s priority targets but he allegedly is not keen to play Europa League football next season, particularly when Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid are all on his tail.
Inter blow
There’s more bad news for United in the Daily Mirror, with the paper reporting that they have been “handed a transfer blow” after Milan Skriniar signed a new contract with Inter Milan.
The Slovenian international centre-back has been on United’s radar in recent months but the 24-year-old has instead agreed what the Mirror describes as a “new double-your-money deal” with the Serie A giants.
Alexis will take pay cut
According to Metro Alexis Sanchez is willing to take a pay cut in order to move away from Old Trafford. The Chilean forward is linked with both Juventus and Inter Milan.
Zaha or Dybala?
If United bid for Wilfried Zaha this summer the Crystal Palace forward would be prepared to move back to Old Trafford, The Daily Telegraph reports.
While in Italy the agent of Juventus star Paulo Dybala has dropped a “bombshell” that the Argentine forward is looking to leave the Turin club this summer.
The Daily Mirror reports that United are keen but the lack of Champions League football could cost them.
