Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s job at Manchester United is secure, says ESPN, with the broadcaster claiming that the Norwegian “has been told by executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward that his position as manager is not under threat”.
Apparently he’s done enough in the last month to convince the board that he is the right man to lead the club forward, at least until the end of this season.
Consequently, Solskjaer is “pressing ahead with plans to reshape the squad” with a slew of new signings.
Trio eyed
According to the Daily Express, Solskjaer is eyeing up a triple swoop in the January transfer window.
The players in question are Juventus striker Mario Mandzukic, West Ham midfielder Declan Rice and Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly.
If the Red Devils are to get their hands on the trio it will cost them in the region of £210m. England international Rice has been slapped with an £80m price tag, while Italians Napoli want a cool £120m for Koulibaly. As for 33-year-old Mandzukic, he’s going cheap at a mere £10m.
Havertz on the radar
Another player who has come to the attention of Solskjaer is Bayer Leverkusen’s Kai Havertz.
The 20-year-old has illuminated the Bundesliga this season and United, Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Real Madrid are all known to have run the rule over the young German international.
Leverkusen sporting director Rudi Voller has said Bayern have already made a polite enquiry, but the Daily Mirror reports that Havertz has hinted his next move could be abroad.
“I’m confident that I can go abroad at any moment and play at clubs outside of Germany,” the attacking midfielder told Spanish publication Marca. “For the moment, I want to have a good season. Afterwards, we’ll see.”
According to the Mirror, United are “considering a potential £80m move”.
Teenage sensation
Another youngster who is said to be on United’s radar is Burnley winger Dwight McNeil. The 19-year-old played for the Old Trafford youth side before being released five years ago.
Since then he’s matured into a crucial member of the Burnley squad, and the Mirror says that his performances this season have “impressed” Solskjaer.
The Norwegian boss has sent his United scouts to watch the England Under-21 international and an offer is expected in January.
