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Manchester United’s ‘chosen next signing’ speaks volumes about Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants more signings before the transfer window slams shut on August 31.
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Manchester United are reportedly prioritising a midfielder over a right-back as the transfer window begins to tick down. And that speaks volumes about Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his viewpoint on his current crop of players. The Red Devils have already enjoyed a good summer, landing Tom Heaton, Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane so far.
Manchester United want to win the Premier League title this season.
After failing to land the Europa League trophy in May, where they lost to Villarreal in the final, the Red Devils are now aiming for the biggest prize in English football.
So far, it’s been a good summer for United.
Heaton was the first player to arrive, with the veteran moving from Aston Villa on a free transfer to provide competition for David De Gea and Dean Henderson.
Sancho then followed, moving from Borussia Dortmund in a blockbuster £73million deal.
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And United recently completed the signing of Varane from Real Madrid, unveiling the 2018 World Cup winner shortly before their emphatic 5-1 win over Leeds on Sunday.
However, they’re not done yet.
ESPN recently stated that United were hoping to sign a midfielder before the transfer window slams shut, with that area deemed a priority instead of strengthening at full-back.
Eduardo Camavinga, Ruben Neves and Saul Niguez are just three of the players to have been linked with moves to Old Trafford.
And it speaks volumes about what Solskjaer thinks about his current options.
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It perhaps suggests the Norwegian isn’t entirely confident about keeping hold of Paul Pogba, who continues to be linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain.
It also implies he isn’t entirely sold on Donny van de Beek, despite the Netherlands international spending the summer bulking up.
The fact United are eying a midfielder also suggests Nemanja Matic won’t make too many appearances this term, with the Serbia international approaching the twilight years of his career.
And it’s also indicative that Solskjaer is fully aware United require an upgrade on Fred and Scott McTominay if they’re to end their title wait this term.
Furthermore, United’s stance on signing a midfielder suggests James Garner won’t be relied on this term, despite shining at Nottingham Forest last term.
Now, it’s just a question of who United decide to pursue.
Neves would be good option but, with Wolves primed to demand big money for their prized asset, the Red Devils may miss out.
Camavinga has admirers at Old Trafford yet it’s believed his preference would be a move to Spain with Real Madrid instead.
And Saul is wanted by Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, while Atletico Madrid are unlikely to sell the Spain international on the cheap.
Speaking before United battered Leeds, Solskjaer addressed the possibility of adding more reinforcements to his side.
And the Norwegian admitted that any further business would be a ‘bonus’.
“Anything from now is a bonus," said the 48-year-old.
"I have to say that with the two signings we've got, we've strengthened where we wanted to strengthen.
"Let's see what happens. You never know in football. Anything can happen, ins and outs."