Solskjaer will hold off paying £80m for a centre-back this summer as winger remains Man Utd’s priority
Interim boss aims to give his defenders the chance to prove themselves while he monitors widemen Sancho, Costa and Perisic
OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER will let Manchester United’s defenders prove themselves before deciding whether to splash out this summer.
The Old Trafford boss-in-waiting has £80million to spend on a centre-back but his priority is a right winger.
SunSport last month revealed United’s interest in England ace Jadon Sancho of Borussia Dortmund.
Solskjaer is also monitoring Juventus star Douglas Costa and Inter Milan wide man Ivan Perisic.
Previous boss Jose Mourinho was not happy with the backline at his disposal despite having Chris Smalling, Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly, with Marcos Rojo also returning from injury.
Solskjaer’s instant impact since taking over in December has seen a dramatic upturn in form.
The Norwegian’s coaching could now save United from breaking the world record for a defender in the summer.
Senegal’s Kalidou Koulibaly has been watched regularly at Napoli this season and would shatter the £75m paid by Liverpool for Virgil van Dijk.
England’s Harry Maguire was also on United’s radar last summer after his stunning World Cup — but Leicester are determined to keep him.
And midfielder Andreas Pereira has earned the chance to show he can still become a United star, with the club triggering a one-year option on his contract.
The 23-year-old’s wonder goal in the 3-2 win over Southampton and his performance in the Champions League victory away at Paris Saint-Germain have convinced the club not to let his deal run out.
That was due to happen this summer — but Solskjaer is convinced he can be an asset to United.
Injuries to key players have given Pereira a chance and he has stepped up to the plate.
That goal against Saints was his first in the Prem.
Pereira said: “The manager shows a lot of trust in me and I’m very thankful. I just want to do all I can on the pitch.”