Man Utd boss Solskjaer handed entire £75m from Romelu Lukaku sale to buy new recruits in January transfer window

OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER will be able to use the £75million raised from the sale of Romelu Lukaku to spend in January if he needs to bolster a top-four challenge.

The Manchester United boss was allowed to spend almost £150m during the summer to recruit Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Daniel James and Harry Maguire.

Question marks remain over the futures of high-earners Paul Pogba and Alexis Sanchez before the continental transfer window closes on September 2.

Pogba fuelled speculation he could leave Old Trafford following the 4-0 win against Chelsea, while Sanchez could join Lukaku at Inter Milan on an initial loan deal.

United insiders have stated Solskjaer is still keen on recruiting a creative midfielder and he will assess the situation when the window reopens in the New Year.

Sporting Lisbon ace Bruno Fernandes was believed to be a key target in the summer, but United decided against making an approach.

The Red Devils would prefer to build up a cash pile ahead of making a £100m-plus move next summer for Borussia Dortmund and England winger Jadon Sancho.

The Manchester giants, though, are facing a huge drop in commercial cash if they miss out for a second successive season on Champions League football.

Their record-breaking £75m-year shirt deal with Adidas is also linked in to that.

A United source said: “The money is certainly there and Ole knows that.

“Everyone knows January is always a difficult market but if it’s the difference between keeping United in the top-four mix, the owners won’t hesitate to back the manager.”

United have a made a strong start to the new Premier League season - thrashing the Blues at home before picking up a point at Molineux on Monday night.