OLE MUST SPEND HIS WAY OUT OF EURO SLUMP
OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER will be handed the financial firepower to spend Manchester United out of their slump – after the damaging cost of their Champions League exile was revealed.
In a statement backing Solskjaer (above, left) to make progress on the pitch and finish the season on a high, his chief exec Ed Woodward (above, right) vowed United would continue a “squad rebuild” in the summer. Woodward claims
they have already made progress on this front, signing Bruno Fernandes in January for £67million, and promised more “worldclass” stars would arrive in the next window.
The players took a pay cut, earning nine per cent less, due to missed Champions League bonuses. Media and match-day revenue also suffered in United’s quarterly results, because they are only in the Europa League.
Woodward said the “No.1 priority” was “winning trophies with a team playing entertaining, attacking football”.
He added: “Our long-term plan is underpinned by the enduring strength of our business, which provides us with the funds and the confidence to keep investing in our team and facilities.
“This season is one of rebuild with many changes to the squad in terms of players who have left or gone out on loan, new players we have brought into the club or academy graduates we have brought into the team.
“This process will continue as we implement our plan and footballing vision under Ole and his coaching staff.
“Despite being linked to 111 players in January and signing just one of them, Bruno Fernandes was an important step in that direction, demonstrating our commitment to bringing in experienced world-class recruits to the exciting crop of academy graduates.
“We will take the same planned, disciplined approach this summer.”
Under-fire Woodward said revenues fell because United are not in the Champions League, but are “in the mix” to qualify again in May.