Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants five signings after Crystal Palace draw
Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer saw his side draw 0-0 with Crystal Palace on Wednesday night.
Man Utd: Solskjaer hopeful on Jones return date
Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s five transfer targets have emerged following their goalless draw with Crystal Palace on Wednesday night. The Red Devils were dire as they dropped crucial points at Selhurst Park. And the Norwegian, it seems, is planning to improve his squad when the transfer window reopens this summer.
After two goalless draws against Real Sociedad and Chelsea, United went into the game against Palace seeking a return to winning ways.
However, they were shut out at Selhurst Park with Roy Hodgson’s side battling their way to a point.
The result means United have dropped precious points in the race to finish in the Premier League top four, having looked like contenders to win the title at one point.
And, now, Solskjaer’s five-man transfer wishlist has emerged.
Spanish website OkDiario claim the 48-year-old is keen to sign Erling Haaland, something that’s been well-documented in recent months.
The Norway international has been in blistering form for Borussia Dortmund ever since his arrival 14 months ago, scoring 43 goals from 45 matches in the short time since.
THINK YOU KNOW SPORT? Test your sporting knowledge with our tricky quiz
And with both Mason Greenwood and Edinson Cavani misfiring against Palace, and Marcus Rashford putting in a poor display, it seems he could be on his way to Old Trafford.
Raphael Varane is also under consideration.
The France international may leave Real Madrid for a new challenge this summer after being at the Bernabeu since his move from Lens a decade ago.
DON’T MISS
Manchester United ‘buzzing’ about Pellistri and Diallo
Tottenham star Son Heung-min 'would consider Real Madrid move’
Liverpool saw three deadline day deals fail before sealing Ozan Kabak transfer
Varane has won the lot during his spell with Los Blancos and United believe his experience could be vital as they eye a long-term partner for Harry Maguire.
Jules Kounde is another defensive name in the frame, with the Sevilla star sparkling for the La Liga giants this season.
And it’s claimed United haven’t given up on David Alaba, who has confirmed he’ll be exiting Bayern Munich at the end of the campaign.
Another surprise name on the list is Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde.
The midfielder is a crucial cog in Zinedine Zidane’s machine at the Bernabeu but he, too, is seemingly of interest for United.
And who they end up with remains to be seen.
It’s clear United need more reinforcements if they’re to win the Premier League title anytime soon, especially with Manchester City soaring under Pep Guardiola.
And it looks set to be a busy transfer window at Old Trafford, despite Solskjaer recently playing down expectations.
“[The pandemic] is definitely affecting everyone in football. Of course the lack of income, the finances have affected everyone," he said.
“We have to be realistic and responsible in the way we do our business both on and off the pitch. There are improvements on the training ground, stadium - we have to look at the whole picture.
"Where can we spend the money? And how much is there? It’s just the real world now. It has changed.”
Solskjaer admitted after the draw against Palace his side needed their spark back.
“Of course you are not happy if you don’t create enough chances to win a game,” said the 48-year-old.
“It’s been a week with no goals and sometimes three games without scoring sounds like a lot.
“It’s a bit of a worry but because we play every few days I know the boys are giving everything. Attitude and approach I’m very happy with but the quality we need to get back to what we know we can do.
“The tempo was missing, once in a while it happens. It wasn’t one of our best nights, that’s for sure.
“Roy Hodgson always sets his teams up to be really hard to play against and it just showed again tonight. We just have to find a spark again, the quality again and try and win the games.”