Solskjaer confirms U-turn to Man Utd transfer plans after Ed Woodward update

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer appeared to confirm Manchester United’s transfer plans have changed following an update from Ed Woodward.

Manchester United have signed only Donny van de Beek this summer and have started the season poorly, despite beating Luton in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night.

Solskjaer admitted on Saturday, following United’s 3-1 defeat by Crystal Palace, that he wants new signings through the door at Old Trafford.

“We’re always, always looking to improve if there’s something out there that’s available to the right price,” he explained. “We always want to strengthen but I think we can all look ourselves in the mirror today instead.”

Man United’s executive vice-chairman Woodward also made an announcement on that same day in his programme notes for the Palace game.

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But his update suggested the club is tightening its belt and that new recruits wouldn’t be arriving this month.

Woodward wrote: “Disruption from the pandemic is continuing to create huge economic pressure from the top to the bottom of the football pyramid and while we are fortunate to be in a more resilient position than most clubs, we are not immune from impact.”

Solskjaer spoke to the press following the Luton game, and appeared to revise his stance.

“We’re working with the ones we have [right now],” said the United boss. “Let’s see what happens. We’ll give you updates if there is something.”

The Red Devils have been in pursuit of Jadon Sancho all summer but that deal appears to be off with time running out.

Dortmund’s sporting director Sebastian Kehl, recently told Sport 1: “We agreed that we had to show a certain attitude. And €80m are simply not enough for such a player. We owed that to the club and the fans. I don’t want to give him up either.

“Without Jadon this team is worse.”

Kehl also told Ruhr Nachrichten: “Jadon has trained well and professionally. He is happy to play football. Yes, someday he might leave for a new challenge but right now he is happy at Borussia Dortmund and Borussia Dortmund is happy to have him.

“He is here – and he will stay here. It was an important statement from the club because we have a certain responsibility. Without Jadon, this team is worse.”

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