Solskjaer tight-lipped over Sancho move as United look to secure Euro last-eight spot
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer kept his cards close to his chest yesterday as discussions over Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho continued.
The Old Trafford giants are hoping to make the 20-yearold their marquee signing in a summer when, given the coronavirus pandemic’s impact, few other clubs can get near
Dortmund’s price.
It is understood discussions are ongoing about a deal for the England international and Solskjaer gave little away when asked about the benefit of getting transfers completed early.
“This transfer window is a long one and every transfer takes its course,” the United boss said as talk about Sancho dominates social media and column inches. “It is what it is. At the moment, I’ve got no updates for you anyway. If
lofty asking there’s any news, we’ll update you.”
United’s interest in Sancho is well documented and it would clearly be an advantage to get the deal boxed off sooner rather than later, even if talk of Dortmund’s Monday deadline to strike an agreement surprised some at Old Trafford.
Solskjaer’s side will be just 60 miles south of Dortmund from Sunday barring an almighty shock in today’s Europa League clash against LASK.
United won the first leg of the last-16 tie 5-0 in Austria on 12
March and a Cologne quarterfinal against Copenhagen or Istanbul Basaksehir will be the reward for wrapping things up at Old Trafford.
“Jesse [Lingard] will be starting but the team won’t be too different from the team that played LASK away,” Solskjaer said.
“We know it will be a difficult game. It wasn’t a 5-0 difference between the teams. We were winning 2-0 after 60 minutes and scored three in the last five, so we know we have to perform and there’s opportunities for players to stake a claim, if they get through.”
Youngsters Teden Mengi, Ethan Laird and Ethan Galbraith have been included in a 30-strong Europa League squad that United defenders Axel Tuanzebe and Luke Shaw have been omitted from due to injury. Solskjaer expects the injured defenders to be available from foot and ankle issues respectively when the Premier League gets under way in September.
Chris Smalling could be another lining up for United next season, with Roma’s inability to reach an agreement about extending his impressive loan spell meaning he leaves before the end of their Europa League campaign.