To the surprise of absolutely no one, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been confirmed as the full-time manager of Manchester United (manutd.com), the fourth boss to hold the permanent position since Sir Alex Ferguson.
The affable Norwegian has defied all expectations since he was initially appointed on an interim basis in December; leading the Red Devils to 14 wins from 19 games, accumulating 32 points from 13 Premier League matches.
As a result, Man Utd are locked in a riveting race for a top-four league finish, and next month they will lock horns with Barcelona in the quarter-finals of the Champions League following THAT comeback against PSG.
Below we take a look at THREE players Solskjaer must sign this summer…
Kalidou Koulibaly
First things first, cement the signing of Kalidou Koulibaly.
It will cost Man Utd - the Daily Mail previously reported £90m - but the capture of the Napoli defender would be a real statement of intent.
The Senegalese 6ft 5in giant, known as ‘The Wall’, has transformed into one of the most in-demand centre-backs on the planet, thanks to his leadership, physicality, strength, positioning, passing ability, and pace.
The potential transfer has dominated the rumour mill for seemingly an eternity, but after watching on enviously at the immense impact that mega-money signing Virgil van Dijk has made at rivals Liverpool, United must make Koulibaly their number one priority.
United fans will already be drooling over a partnership with the rejuvenated Victor Lindelof…
Jadon Sancho
Solskjaer has already been widely praised for giving a number of youngsters the chance to shine at Man Utd. We’re talking Mason Greenwood, Tahith Chong, and James Garner whereas Scott McTominay has played nine times since December.
Marcus Rashford has thrived under the Norwegian while the forward’s international teammate Jadon Sancho has been hotly linked with a return to Manchester.
Sancho, who was on the books at Man City, has excelled over in Germany at Borussia Dortmund; scoring nine goals and contributing 17 assists in 35 matches so far this season.
There’s going to be an almighty scramble for the youngster’s signature this summer, but while Dortmund fans will be desperately hoping he stays, United are said to be weighing up a blockbuster £80m move - which would make him the most expensive English player ever.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Speaking of future stars of the England national team, step forward Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
The 21-year-old has yet to receive a senior call up to The Three Lions squad, but he’s enjoyed a stunning breakthrough season at Crystal Palace, where he’s made 31 appearances, and to many he has the potential to become a key fixture in Southgate’s future plans.
No Premier League player has made more tackles this season, 109, than Wan-Bissaka who has also caught the eye through his speed and strength, under a former England manager in Roy Hodgson.
His remarkable rise means he’s likely to be a frequent presence in the gossip pages this summer, and with Antonio Valencia expected to depart Old Trafford and Ashley Young in the tail end of his career, United could look to the future by capturing the right-back.
