Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has provided an update on Manchester United’s transfer plans for this January transfer window.
What did he say?
The summer window saw the club sign just three players on permanent deals, Daniel James, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Harry Maguire. They also let go of numerous first-team stars, including the likes of Ander Herrera, Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez amongst others.
Now, the Red Devils have been linked with a whole host of players in recent weeks, with names like Donny van de Beek and James Maddison being mentioned amid speculation over a potential move to Old Trafford.
However, ahead of the club’s Premier League clash against Norwich, Solskjaer moved to downplay any rumours of major deals, instead admitting that people shouldn’t be expecting too much action from the Manchester side.
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He said (as quoted by The Evening Standard): “We’ve still got the same thoughts we had a month ago. We’ve got the players we have and are working with the ones we have. I can’t say yes or no, but I wouldn’t expect many ins and outs.”
Worrying times
Whilst United may be fifth in the table and still well in the race for the top four, the lack of urgency shown by Solskjaer in regards to potentially bringing new players in, is worrying to say the least. The Red Devils have numerous holes in their squad that need addressing, not least their issues up front.
The club are relying upon an 18-year-old in Mason Greenwood to be their third-choice striker, whilst they still haven’t bought a genuine replacement for Lukaku who left in the summer to join Serie A giants Inter.
Quickfire Quiz: How much do you know about Man Utd’s history in the January transfer window?
This is the exact time for Solskjaer to loosen the shackles, and be dominant with his voice. Publicly address how new signings are an absolute must for him, and put some much-needed pressure on the likes of Ed Woodward and the Glazers. Instead, the Norwegian has effectively chosen the coward’s way out by tiptoeing around the issue of the transfer market.
Being non-committal with his phrasing, saying “I can’t say yes or no”, and effectively implying he is happy with what he has currently got. A stronger voice is needed, or else United risk seeing this season petering out into nothing.
Meanwhile, this Man Utd target’s big-game mentality is exactly what they need.