Pranav Nair
Solskjaer sends warning to Manchester United fans ahead of the summer transfer window
According to The Metro, Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has warned fans that the summer transfer window may be bereft of major moves.
With the coronavirus pandemic having affected the finances of clubs across the world, it is unlikely to be business as usual anytime soon. The last two windows saw very few high-profile moves and more of the same can once again be expected next summer.
The Red Devils go into the summer knowing full well that reinforcements are needed for them to go to the next level. A striker and a defender are the least that we should hope for if we are serious about challenging for the top.
“The pandemic is definitely affecting everyone in football.”
While the likes of Jadon Sancho, Erling Haaland and Raphael Varane have all been linked to the club, it now remains to be seen if we are in a position to sign them.
“Of course the lack of income, the finances has affected everyone. It might affect us all well.”
Solskajer’s calls for the club to be realistic will not augur well to fans who are keen for the club to bridge to gap to the top. One would imagine that the seeds are being sown for yet another frustrating summer.
“We have to be realistic and responsible in the way we do our business both on and off the pitch.”
Free agency or bust?
“There are improvements on the training ground, stadium – we have to look at the whole picture. Where can we spend the money? And how much is there? It’s just the real world now. It has changed.”
Given Solskjaer’s comments, United could make use of what could potentially be a gold mine of players in the summer Bosman market. A number of seasoned players are currently in the final year of their contracts and could move on at the end of the campaign.
As seen with Edinson Cavani, these players can do a job for the club at least in the short term. While it is true that they could demand more in wages, United cannot afford to stay still while the teams around us get back to their best.
As things stand, United hold the initiative over the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur. Staying still could see us hand it back just as easily.
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While Solskjaer is right in asserting that no club has been immune to the financial setback, one has to question if the Norwegian is using it as an excuse.
A number of clubs have altered their approaches or structured deals that could see them reap immediate benefits by breaking down finances over a larger period of time.
While it can be argued that the scenario gives the club the opportunity to develop their academy stars, it also speaks of a lack of ambition, especially given where we are currently.
