Romelu Lukaku transfer speculation is a distraction but Man United and Solskjaer are firmly in control

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  • With his piercing blue eyes, boyish grin and box of chocolates in hand, Manchester United were smitten with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer from the moment he walked through the door.

    With a fond history between them a commitment was inevitable and the wedding was the stuff of dreams. But even a match made in heaven is not exempt from the work that goes into a marriage now that the honeymoon’s run its course and the first signs of conflict have taken shape.

    Not only is Solskjaer having to steer United back on course following three defeats in their last four fixtures but recent speculation surrounding Romelu Lukaku‘s future has complicated matters.

    The Belgian’s representative Federico Pastorello has revealed in an interview his client’s desire to play ‘in different countries’ stating, ‘the future is really very open’ and even citing Italy as a favourable destination.

    The timing of this latest development does United no favours. A swing in results has coincided with Paul Pogba‘s future also being put in doubt following the Frenchman’s flattering comments on Real Madrid during the international break. Speculation was then intensified by Los Blancos boss Zinedine Zidane reciprocating with high praise for and admitted interest in his compatriot.

    Solskjaer’s immediate handling of that situation has been good and you’d back his capacity to play down the new narrative with Lukaku as well but there’s certainly something brewing at Old Trafford.

    Two Premier League defeats in quick succession shouldn’t initiate a panic. United were the better side on both occasions but missed chances and individual errors proved costly. However, there’s no denying that their top-four ambitious have suffered a huge setback as a result.

    The Red Devils face a tall order in the Champions League as well having drawn Barcelona in the quarter-finals. A Herculean effort is required to secure their berth in Europe’s elite competition next season. The desire to jump ship from high profile players in their prime like Lukaku and Pogba should they fail in their endeavour wouldn’t be shocking.

    Solskjaer is nothing if not positive though and as he contemplates the prospect of losing both players, the opportunity to spin it in his favour should become apparent.

    Between them, Pogba and Lukaku have cost United nearly £200 million in transfer fees. The midfielder is contracted until 2021 and the striker until 2022 with United holding options to extend both deals by 12 months. The club have everything they need to be in control.

    Solskjaer will nevertheless continue insisting that both players remain integral to the team and its long-term future, any other approach would be imprudent. In the current market though, Pogba and Lukaku could legitimately be sold at a profit, should it come to that while their wages would free up enormous funds.

    The United boss has already revealed that plans for the summer transfer window are underway and should the club sell both stars, a potential overhaul would hand Solskjaer the opportunity to build his own team at an expedited pace.

    That said, he may be reluctant to allow a talent like Pogba slip sway from the Red Devils … again. The Frenchman’s drive, skill and vision facilitates Solskjaer’s style of play and recruiting a midfielder of the same ilk would be a huge undertaking. Pogba’s form has been patchy of late but when he’s on song, his influence is immeasurable. The Norwegian will know that his best course of action with the playmaker is to keep him happy and inspire him to bigger performances.

    Lukaku on the other hand is not quite so intrinsic to Solskjaer’s system. He’s an undeniably brilliant talent and has proved more than useful under the new regime but he’s hardly indispensable. He’s deceptively quick for a burly number nine and is capable of real quality but despite his price tag and goal-scoring record, Marcus Rashford has pipped him as the preferred choice.

    The 21-year-old embodies the pace, aggression, relentless running and skill Solskjaer desires in attack. Anthony Martial has also come along under Solskjaer and can lead the line while an exciting talent in Mason Greenwood is knocking on the door of the first team. In an ideal world, Solskjaer would have no use for a striker like Lukaku who is effectively an expensive plan B in this new era.

    He may be the team’s leading scorer in the Premier League with 12 goals to his name but he’s also been one of the worst finishers in the division. Despite ranking 30th for shots (52) this season, Lukaku is fifth for big chances missed (14). That doesn’t portray the 25-year-old in the best light.

    Lukaku’s representative may be attempting to facilitate a move away or perhaps even negotiate a better deal in Manchester but he’s playing a dangerous game because all evidence suggests that Ole’s the one at the wheel.

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