Solskjaer speaks on transfers at Man United
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has a major advantage over many Premier League rivals as he tries to rebuild Manchester United by having the final authority over transfers.
It is no coincidence that three major managerial casualties this season Mauricio Pochettino, Unai Emery and Marco Silva never appeared to be in control of their club’s transfer policy.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer insists he has final say on transfers at Man United https://t.co/BFTcAbwOnk
— MailOnline Sport (@MailSport) December 23, 2019
But Solskjaer, who has targeted Europe’s hottest young striker Erling Haaland from Salzburg insists that at United – who have no director of football – he has the decisive opinion.
‘I will always have the final say,’ says Solskjaer, whose side travel to Watford today unbeaten in six matches. ‘I am not going to let any players in the door without me saying yes definitely.
‘It has to be that way. it is a good process and of course if I don’t like a player I don’t want him there.’
Haaland, 19, started his career under Solskjaer at Molde and has gone on to score more than a goal a game for Salzburg. United are among a number of clubs chasing him but United hope the Norwegian connection – Solksjaer is close to the player’s family and friends – will give them the edge.
Any move is likely to be done in the summer rather than January but Solskjaer doesn’t see any specific problems because Haaland’s infamous agent is Mino Raiola who also represents Paul Pogba.
‘Players can choose their own representatives,’ said the United manager. ‘It is so important that every player has complete 100 per cent trust in whoever represents them because they work for the player. The player is in charge.
‘The players are in charge of who their agents are, I am in charge of the players so I speak to the players.’
Pogba, 26, has resumed training in a bid to play again for the first time since September because of an ankle injury.
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Despite Pogba’s glamorous image and suspicion he is trying to force a move from Old Trafford, Solskjaer says the player has been left deflated by being unable to play.
‘The worst thing for a player is when he’s injured and not playing. Everyone has to realise that,’ insisted the manager. ‘Paul wants to play football. He has been running with the fitness coach, looking over to us training. And there is nothing more disheartening. It is a proper mental test.”