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GET SANCHEZ FIRING, SIGN YOUNG STARS... AND WHAT SOLSKJAER SHOULD DO

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was finally handed the reigns at Manchester United on Thursday when he was named the club's new permanent manager.


The Norwegian has turned the club's fortunes around since replacing Jose Mourinho in December with the Red Devils now in the hunt for a top-four finish and through to the Champions League quarter-finals.

Here, We look at the challenges facing Solskjaer and the key areas the 46-year-old must focus on over the coming months.

IMPLEMENT NEW STRUCTURE:



Solskjaer has identified issues around the Carrington training ground that need addressing to improve coaching. He may hand that responsibility to Mike Phelan while giving Mark Dempsey a greater role in his first-team staff. There could also be opportunities for former players such as Darren Fletcher.

United will appoint a head of football operations to work alongside Solskjaer and ideally take administrative stress away. The new appointment will oversee the expansion plans for Carrington or locate a new, grander training ground. They will look at new partnerships with foreign clubs and liaise with Ed Woodward, Matt Judge and John Murtough over recruitment.


SIGN YOUNG, HUNGRY STARS:


Solskjaer has determined that he wants to strengthen at right back, central midfield and possibly right wing. The ideal profile is young and hungry with an attitude to work and learn. He does not see the need for a central defender after improving United’s defensive record.

Players such as Jadon Sancho and Callum Hudson-Odoi have been put forward but the reality is Borussia Dortmund do not wish to sell Sancho and Chelsea do not wish to lose Hudson-Odoi, particularly to a Premier League rival and while they have a transfer ban to contend with.


United do not see a need to spend record fees this summer but will ensure they are in the market for the top players should they become available.


GET SANCHEZ FIRING:

Solskjaer has an expensive problem in Alexis Sanchez but one he is prepared to work at. The Chilean has been encouraged to get himself fit and go again before the summer. His contract makes it difficult for United to sell him so Solskjaer’s personal touch and knack of getting more out of his forwards will be key.


He has got Paul Pogba on side, while Champions League qualification is a must to attract the calibre of player he needs. Contracts with Marcus Rashford, David de Gea, Ander Herrera and Juan Mata have still to be resolved, but Solskjaer hopes his appointment can tip the balance over rival suitors should United agree the figures.

BRING THROUGH NEXT GENERATION:


While looking to attract the best young players, Solskjaer knows the importance of providing a first-team pathway for United’s academy graduates. Scott McTominay, Tahith Chong, Mason Greenwood, Angel Gomes and James Garner have shown promise but need competitive football to kick on.

A season on loan could beckon to finish their education. The next batch of talent, including 15-year-old winger Shola Shoretire and defender Will Fish, will be pushed to make an impression in the U23s.


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