Solskjaer suggests “special” Man Utd talent can solve transfer problem
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Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is reportedly eyeing a centre-back – but he might have his answer closer to home.
Reports have linked the Red Devils with a move for Dayot Upamecano or another defender to play alongside Harry Maguire moving forwards.
But RB Leipzig are unwilling to sell Upamecano cheap and his release clause does not kick-in until next summer leaving United with a problem if they want to find a top class player who fits the bill.
Instead, Solskjaer could already have his answer after he fast-tracked academy prospect Tendi Mengi into his first-team squad in the last few weeks.
And his latest comments on the 18-year-old suggest he could be ready for more regular first-team football.
Solskjaer drew parallels between Mengi and Matthijs de Ligt, who became captain of Dutch giants Ajax at just 18 before his big-money move to Juventus.
Mengi is now ready for an introduction to Solskjaer’s side but he stressed he must pick the “right moment to give him a chance”.
“Ajax made Matthijs De Ligt captain when he was 18,” Solskjaer told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“Teden Mengi has impressed me, you can see something special in him.
“It is about picking the right moment to give him a chance.”
Mengi made his Manchester United senior debut in the Europa League against LASK last month.
After tha game, Solskjaer also tipped him for a bright future at the club.
“He’s a leader, a [proper] centre-back,” said Solskjaer.
“He’s one we believe in. He’s in the same age group as Mason [Greenwood]. They grew up together.
“He’s strong, quick, good on the ball. We’ve got a decent player there.”
Can Teden Mengi become a first team star for Man Utd? Have your say in the comments below
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