Share

Solskjaer happy with backing, expects more new signings

London - Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer insists he is happy with the transfer business the club have completed so far this summer and expects more signings before the season gets underway.

United have spent up to £65 million on promising youngsters Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Daniel James, but there has not been a huge turnover in players at Old Trafford despite a bitterly disappointing end to last season.

However, Solskjaer believes more business will be done over the next month and is happy with the recruitment of Wan-Bissaka and James in a change of strategy in the transfer market, focused on younger British players.

United reportedly had a £70 million bid for England international centre-back Harry Maguire turned down by Leicester this week.

"It's a long-term and it's a short-term project," Solskjaer told MUTV.

"You cannot just think three years down the line, so we've got short-term goals as well, of course.

"I think we've been quite calm and good in the market as we've got the right people, and we're still working on a case or two."

"I've got the backing and we've got the people we wanted, for now, and there will probably be some more business being done."

After a bright start when Solskjaer was handed the job on a temporary basis in December, United's form slumped alarmingly towards the end of the campaign to finish sixth in the Premier League.

And the Norwegian wants his side to be more consistent in his first full season in charge to try and close the gap to English champions Manchester City and Champions League winners Liverpool.

"At Manchester United, and in the Premier League, I have to say, you have to be at our best for long, long periods," added Solskjaer.

"You've got to be consistent. You can see the top two teams last season were so consistent.

"To have the pre-season together and lay down the foundations and principles to get the fitness, the tactics and the mentality right, and to get the team gelled as one, is important."

One player who will be staying put at United is Andreas Pereira after the Brazilian midfielder signed a new four-year contract on Friday.

The 23-year-old, who came through the United Academy, enjoyed a breakthrough 2018-19 campaign and has made 35 first-team appearances.

"I have spent so long in Manchester that I now regard the city and the club as my home and I'm extremely happy to continue my career here," said Pereira.

"The manager has shown great faith in me and I can't wait to get this campaign started under him."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
How much would you be prepared to pay for a ticket to watch the Springboks play against the All Blacks at Ellis Park or Cape Town Stadium this year?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
R0 - R200
33% - 1818 votes
R200 - R500
32% - 1778 votes
R500 - R800
19% - 1084 votes
R800 - R1500
8% - 461 votes
R1500 - R2500
3% - 187 votes
I'd pay anything! It's the Boks v All Blacks!
5% - 254 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE