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Solskjaer's Sancho transfer response after Man Utd beat Copenhagen


Ole Gunnar Solskjaer gave a pointed response to the latest Jadon Sancho developments after his Manchester United side beat Copenhagen to secure a Europa League semi-final spot.

Bruno Fernandes’ extra-time penalty earned the Red Devils a 1-0 victory on the day they were told their top target Sancho would be staying at Borussia Dortmund this summer.

Dortmund are demanding at least £100million for the England winger, while United are only prepared to go to £80m – leading to Dortmund chief Michael Zorc saying their decision not to sell Sancho is “final”.

But United are refusing to give up on signing the 20-year-old, who lit up the Bundesliga with 17 goals and 17 assists last season.

And while manager Solskjaer remained tight-lipped when asked about Sancho after the game, his coy response suggested the Red Devils don’t believe the saga is over.

Jadon Sancho was back in pre-season training with Borussia Dortmund on Monday

Asked whether he still felt United could get a deal done, Solskjaer said: “I can’t comment on other team’s players, I can’t do that. You know that. I never do.”

It was a response typical of a manager being asked about an active target, while not wanting to disrespect the club the player currently represents.

Sancho was back in Germany on Monday following a brief trip to the UK, with Dortmund starting their pre-season training in the midst of a short turnaround before the new campaign.

Monday was also the date Dortmund had set as a deadline for United to meet their asking price for Sancho.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was coy about Sancho following United’s Europa League win over Copenhagen

And during a press conference on the day Dortmund’s deadline expired, Sporting director Zorc gave a firm response on his star man’s future.

“We plan on having Jadon Sancho in our team this season,” said Zorc. “The decision is final. I think that answers all our questions.”

But United legend Scholes still expects his old club to strike a deal.

Speaking on BT Sport ahead of United’s game against FC Copenhagen in the Europa League quarter-finals, the former midfielder said: “They’re just after a little bit more money out of it, aren’t they?

“He’s a great player. But £108million is a lot of money.

He looks a brilliant player and I think he would improve any team in world football with his assists and his goals.”

Scholes said he expected United to pull out all the stops in their pursuit of Sancho, despite earlier halting their attempt to sign Erling Haaland, who ironically ended up joining Dortmund from RB Salzburg.

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“The only thing I would say about United is they were desperate for [Erling] Haaland as well and they didn’t quite go that extra mile,” said Scholes.

“Will they do that for Sancho? I think they will. If Ole desperately, desperately wants him, I think they’ll get him.”

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