SOL GOOD
Man Utd boss Solskjaer ‘happy’ with transfer dealings and strikers despite them scoring just 20 goals combined last season
OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER says he is happy with Manchester United’s transfer dealings despite fan discontent - and his two main strikers combining for just 20 league goals last term.
United’s outlay was the highest of any in the Premier League at £148million although the net spend after Romelu Lukaku went was £74m, around £50m less than Aston Villa.
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In came Daniel James, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Harry Maguire - but there was no striker replacement for Lukaku or a much needed midfielder.
Still United boss Solskjaer says there was no feeling of frustration at that when the window closed on Thursday
Solskjaer said: “Well that's not the feeling inside the club. The feeling with the fans I've met are excited about the ones we've got.
“There are always going to be fans out there wanting to sign players that's part and parcel of being here, the players are here now and have been shown that trust and we believe in them.
“It's not about a quick fix it's a long rebuild and about getting the right players right people in and it's not about suddenly changing that when you haven't got the right ones.
“I think when the transfer window closes it's a great feeling of relief now it's done now we know we're looking forward with and I'm delighted with the three we've signed.
Within the team and the club we're feeling very confident.
Solskjaer on the season ahead
“The only way we can put an doubts right is by playing good football, showing the team we want to be, the style we want to play.
“Within the team and the club we're feeling very confident.”
Last term, the men tasked with leading the line this season - Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial - combined for just 20 Premier League goals.
The pair both mustered just ten goals apiece, while new boy Daniel James scored just four times in 33 matches in the Championship with Swansea.
Jesse Lingard - another star Solskjaer is aiming to lean on for goals in 2019-20 - scored just four times in the league.
Solskjaer was diplomatic about Lukaku’s exit to Inter after the striker had ended going AWOL training with Anderlecht in his final days as a United player.
He said: “It was time now for Rom to go because I think we got a good deal, he's happy so I think both parties ended that deal as it should be.
“I have always had a good relationship with Rom, open and honest.
“We've spoken to each other openly and frankly and there is no issue between me and Rom.
“He was injured for a while this pre-season, didn't participate so I just hope for him he’ll get a good start at Inter Milan.”
FAITH IN MASON
With 42 goals over two seasons for United, Lukaku now leaves a big gap but one Solskjaer is confident the players he has can fill, including 17-year-old Mason Greenwood.
He said: “Of course Rom has a good record and stats he's one of the top number nines around when you want to play with that kind of striker, target man.
“But I'm very confident that we'll get goals from Anthony Martial [and] Marcus Rashford. Daniel James will create and Jesse Lingard will get more.
“I believe Mason is going to be playing and involved a lot and when he is he's going to score goals.”
Solskjaer has even held out some hope for big money flop Alexis Sanchez.
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He said: “I do expect him to stay, there's a striker there we think is going to be able to score some goals.”
United kick off their season against Chelsea on Sunday as Solskjaer comes up against Frank Lampard.
He said: “I’m just happy he's not playing, he'd score goals wouldn't he?”
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Romelu Lukaku confirms that he has signed with Inter Milan
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