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Man Utd news: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer given Ed Woodward challenge ahead of transfer widnow
OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER must have a big say on Manchester United’s dealings in the upcoming transfer window, despite the fact he’ll more than likely not be in charge of the club come the end of the season.
Solskjaer was appointed interim United manager last Wednesday, replacing the sacked Jose Mourinho.
Tottenham’s Mauricio Pochettino and former Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane are understood to be the frontrunners to permanently succeed Mourinho, who presided over the club’s worst start to a season in 28 years.
Solskjaer’s former United team-mate Gary Neville is happy with the 45-year-old’s temporary appointment, which has seemingly boosted morale at Old Trafford.
And he wants the Norwegian to have a strong influence on the United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward during the January transfer window.
"Ole's job in the next six months is to be head coach, head scout, head of recruitment and making sure he feeds back really good information into the recruitment department of what the club needs," he said during the latest episode of his Sky Sports podcast.
"My concern over the last three to four years is who has been signing the players.
"That needs cleaning up and I am certain the club in the next six months will appoint the right people who are best in class to run that side of things.
"Manchester United have to start getting it right otherwise they will struggle, but it was a good start yesterday."
Ole's job in the next six months is to be head coach, head scout, head of recruitment and making sure he feeds back really good information into the recruitment department of what the club needs
Solskjaer’s first game in charge of United saw the Red Devils run riot against Cardiff City, beating the Welsh side 5-1.
Neville was impressed by his old side’s performance at the Cardiff City Stadium but believes there’s still a long way to go for Solskjaer’s men.
“The hard work starts now for United,” the former England defender said.
“Anybody who thinks sacking Jose Mourinho is the answer, it is not, the hard work starts now and I am sure the people in the club are wise enough and knowledgeable to know that.
"There was an immediate bounce and impact from Ole, however, it was Cardiff and we need to see if they can do it over six months.
"If they can do that then they will get the opportunity to play for the club next season.
"If they do it over six games and then drop back they won't play for the club next season."
United will be in action on Boxing Day, welcoming relegation-threatened Huddersfield to Old Trafford.