BRING BACK GOLD TRAFFORD No legends at United... but Ole can change all that
PAUL INCE reckons Ole Gunnar Solskjaer WILL build his own squad of Old Trafford legends once the coronavirus crisis is over.
Manchester United have improved under the Norwegian boss and were fifth in the Premier League before the campaign was paused.
Solskjaer was backed last summer and secured defender Harry Maguire for £80million.
He also splashed out in January with midfielder Bruno Fernandes costing £47m. United are now understood to be eyeing Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez and striker Joao Felix.
Heroes
Ince, who played 281 times for the Reds, said: “What United fans want is exciting players and heroes in their team.
“There hasn’t been enough of those in recent years at United.
“Just look at Manchester City. They’ve got Sergio Aguero, Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva – at least three legends. It’s the same now with Liverpool. United don’t have that at the moment.
“I’ve watched Niguez for the last two or three years and I really like him.
“He’s got a lovely build and can score some special goals.
“There’s a culture about him and he’s still young with plenty of potential. The thing is, he won’t be cheap – that’s for sure. And, if you look to get him in, you have to think about what happens to Paul Pogba.
“There’s also talk about Felix... but he struggled going from Portugal to Spain.
“And there’s still an added ferocity to the Premier League.
“You’ve got to think about whether a signing can come in and play straight away.” United still retain their longrunning interest in Aston Villa playmaker Jack Grealish. The 24-year-old is Solskjaer’s primary target when the transfer window opens.
Ince, however, has warned his former club that they could face stiff competition for Grealish’s signature.
The former England midfielder said: “Do I see him as a United player? Well, I could also see him at City or Liverpool.
“Tottenham also wanted him not so long ago.
“There will be plenty of suitors for Grealish.
“We’re all saying United, but he’d fit in with any team in the top five.
“But all this talk of creative players, you’ve got to be careful about getting the balance – you still need a defensive block.
“They need someone who can cover space – like Roy Keane did and N’golo Kante does now.
Harmony
“Look at what Jurgen Klopp has done with Liverpool, he’s got things in perfect harmony.
“That’s what Solskjaer is now trying to do. You always need that defensive element.
“I’m just happy United are now in the market for these exciting types of players again.
“But will they challenge next season? I’m still not sure.”
» Paul Ince is a Paddy Power ambassador. Read more at news.paddypower.com