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Man Utd news: Pellegrini and Di Maria favourites to be first arrivals of Solskjaer era
MANCHESTER UNITED interim boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could sign Lorenzo Pellegrini and Angel Di Maria in January, according to the bookies.
Manchester United have replaced Jose Mourinho with Solskjaer, who is now charged with the task of boosting squad morale as a result.
The Red Devils have endured a nightmare start to the new Premier League season and, consequently, have now turned to a friendly face in their hour of need.
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With the January transfer window fast approaching, many are expecting Manchester United to give Solskjaer funds to invest in the squad.
And Coral believe Roma’s Pellegrini and PSG’s Di Maria to be among the likeliest signings.
Pellegrini has been backed to sign amid United’s problems in midfield.
Di Maria, meanwhile, has also been tipped to return despite leaving the club in 2015.
Pellegrini is the likeliest signing at 4/5 with Di Maria priced at 5/2.
Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil is then ranked at 3/1.
And Tony Kroos and Toby Alderweireld, of Real Madrid and Tottenham respectively, have been put at 7/2 and 4/1 respectively.
"If Manchester United do splash the cash and support new manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the January transfer window, the betting suggests it will be Roma's Lorenzo Pellegrini the player they are most likely to capture," said Coral's John Hill.
"United have been linked with re-signing Angel Di Maria, while Mesut Ozil and Toby Alderweireld are players in the Premier League which punters are backing to move to Old Trafford next month.”
Meanwhile, Solskjaer has expressed his delight at returning to United as manager.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer teaches Man Utd youth academy in 2003
“Manchester United is in my heart and it’s brilliant to be coming back in this role,” he said.
“I’m really looking forward to working with the very talented squad we have, the staff and everyone at the club.”
Solksjaer spent 11 years at United as a player, winning them every major trophy available along the way.
The 45-year-old’s first match will be against Cardiff on Saturday (5.30pm).