Man Utd ‘close’ to sacking Solskjaer and appointing Allegri

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s days at Manchester United appear numbered with a slew of outlets reporting that Massimiliano Allegri is “very close” to agreeing a deal to replace the Norwegian.

The Daily Mail, quoting Italian publication Tuttosport, claim that the Old Trafford board are “ready to act and are closing in on the appointment” of former Juventus boss Allegri.

Money talks

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The Mail says the Italian could net himself £6.5m a year if the deal goes through, although the Daily Mirror puts the figure at nearer £7m.

Solskjaer is facing the sack after overseeing United’s worst start to a season in 30 years with the club 15 points off the top just eight matches in.

Currently 12th in the Premier League table, United have a tough task when they host runaway leaders Liverpool on Sunday.

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Terms and conditions

But if Allegri is to ride to the Red Devils’s rescue he does have some conditions. What are they? The Mail says that he wants to bring former Liverpool midfielder Emre Can and Mario Mandzukic, the Croatian striker, with him “as he plans an overhaul at Old Trafford”.

In addition, Allegri has also said he’d like former United stalwart Patrice Evra on his backroom staff, a decision which would be warmly received by the club faithful.

The Mail says that the “situation is expected to be cleared up relatively quickly”, with Allegri keen to get his feet under the table and begin the mammoth rebuilding task at Old Trafford.

Learning curve

Metro says negotiations between United and Allegri have been “concrete” and the paper carries comments by the Italian to Polish outlet Przegląd Sportowy.

He gave what Metro describes as a “cryptic response” to a question about the United job, saying: “I speak English too poorly for now, but I am learning.”

Metro predicts that United will “stick” with Solskjaer for now but he could be gone by the end of the month if his team lose to Liverpool and Norwich.

Premier League fixtures

Saturday 19 October (3pm unless stated)

• Everton vs. West Ham United (12.30pm, live on BT Sport)
• Aston Villa vs. Brighton & Hove Albion
• AFC Bournemouth vs. Norwich City
• Chelsea vs. Newcastle United
• Leicester City vs. Burnley
• Tottenham Hotspur vs. Watford
• Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Southampton
• Crystal Palace vs. Manchester City (5.30pm, live on Sky Sports)

Sunday 20 October

• Manchester United vs. Liverpool (4.30pm, live on Sky Sports)

Monday 21 October

• Sheffield United vs. Arsenal (8pm, live on Sky Sports)

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