Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has hailed the “phenomenal” structure in place for transfers at the club.
The United hierarchy came under fire over transfer dealings during the tenure of Solskjaer’s predecessor, Jose Mourinho, who was at loggerheads over the board over defensive targets during the last transfer window, especially after it emerged that chief executive Ed Woodward had reportedly turned down Mourinho over all the defenders the Portuguese manager had shortlisted.
A December report published in The Telegraph just before he was sacked laid bare Mourinho’s frustration over transfers, with the former manager reportedly fearing that no work was being done and critical of the club’s bloated scouting system.
Outside observers have also suggested that United are missing out by not moving to a more modern structure, though there are plans to name a director of football for the first time in the club’s history, possibly even before the end of the season.
But Solskjaer, who became a club legend during his 11-year stint as a United player and has begun his spell as caretaker manager by winning all of his first four matches in charge – a feat previously achieved only by legendary manager Sir Matt Busby, in 1946 – says all is running smoothly at Old Trafford.
“The club’s probably had a plan, you don’t just plan the next day and next month but this transfer window has probably been planned since the summer and the year before, the structure is phenomenal,” the United manager told reporters ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup 3rd Round fixture against Reading.
“I’m sure they’ve got their targets, I’m here to voice my opinion on that and I’m sure we’ll sit down, me and Ed [Woodward] if we’ve got anything in the pipeline.”
However, Solskjaer would not be drawn on who, if anyone, the club would like to sign this January, though United continue to be linked with central defenders.
“I’m here to work with the ones I’ve got, they’ve all performed and as long as they perform they should get a chance but that’s my job to improve the team and individuals,” the Norwegian said.
