Solskjaer suggests “special” Man Utd talent can solve transfer problem

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

Sign up to the Mirror Football email here for the latest news and transfer gossip.