THE LOWDOWN
OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER is not looking for “ready-made” solutions in his summer recruitment policy as he seeks to rebuild Manchester United.
The Reds are closing in on a £15million deal to bring 21-year-old Swansea and Wales winger Daniel James to Old Trafford as the first signing of the Norwegian’s tenure.
And while Solskjaer refused to comment publicly on that bid, he hinted James (above) fitted the profile of the type of player he wants.
“I can’t comment on every single individual,” he said.
“I don’t like it when other managers talk about my players and I wouldn’t talk about any others, even if I was or wasn’t interested.
“I think I’ve been quite honest in saying that challenging for the title next year would be miraculous because we’re so far behind at the moment. But we’ve got to close that gap.
“This summer will also be about players who can last here for many years.
“I don’t think we’ve ever been a ready-made club – Cristiano Ronaldo was not ready-made, Wayne Rooney was not ready-made.”
Solskjaer stressed that he will focus on players still to reach their peak. “Loads of players have come here and developed into superstars,” said the 46-year-old, who replaced Jose Mourinho in December.
“It’s always going to be the model here that we develop players because we have the best staff, the best environment, the best supporters. “And if there’s anything they love it’s players who excite them, players who get them off their seats. We hope to get some of them in.” Solskjaer is ready to showcase “one or two of the kids” at Cardiff tomorrow. “It might be the last game for some but it might be the start of some careers as well,” he said.
And a move for James suggests a retreat from the superstar-recruitment policy which has backfired under Ed Woodward’s tenure as executive vice chairman. Alexis Sanchez (above) has been the worst example of that policy and big Swede Zlatan Ibrahimovic the best.
Reconnecting with the past has been a central theme of Solskjaer’s short reign and the appointment of Ferguson’s old No.2 Mike Phelan, on a three-year deal in the same role, was a further nod to a new direction yesterday.
Solskjaer insisted Phelan’s feel for the club was important but also his football knowledge.
“The players really respect him,” he said. “They know what he can do and he’s worked with the best. I’m a young manager and Mick has more experience than I do in a few areas.
“Also he is an ex-United man and that plays a big part.
“We care about the club and it’s never going to be about anything other than the club. It’s not about me or Mick, it’s about getting the club back to where it belongs.”