The Red Devils looked on course to progress to the final of the Europa League after Bruno Fernandes’ 12th goal since arriving from Sporting. However, their opponents rallied to come from behind to win and it has left the Manchester United gaffer frustrated over his lack of squad depth.
Speaking after the game, the Norwegian said: “I cannot say when or if transfers are going to be done, but we are looking at it,” Solskjaer said. It is a quick turnaround [until the start of the new season]. We just have to be 100% sure when we do those deals. The players worked so hard, showed the right mentality, but we need to strengthen the squad depth, of course. It will be a long season.”
“We’re going to keep pushing and keep demanding more of the players that we have, but still, we’re looking to improve and it’s a strange one. The league starts very quickly, but then the [transfer] market is open for so long. So we’ve got to be both good, smart and clever. It’s only going to be a couple of weeks rest until we get going again. We have to dust ourselves down, make sure that we are ready and fresh to go.”
Yesterday’s result ensures that United will be finishing three consecutive seasons trophyless for the first time in over three decades and they will be keen to arrest the slump next season.
Ole’s claim may be somewhat surprising given how much he has spent so far as United boss. Since taking over as Manager from Jose Mourinho in December 2018, he has spent close to £200m on Daniel James, Bruno Fernandes, Aaron wan Bissaka, Odion Ighalo and even a world-record fee for a defender on Harry Maguire. Despite all these signings, he recently equalled the worst ever points tally that Manchester United has ever had in Premier League history.
The Red Devils finished with 66 points the last campaign. This is the same as what David Moyes recorded in his tumultuous time in charge during the 2013/14 season for which the Scot was sacked. Little surprise that Moyes claimed that the only difference between him and Solskjaer is that the latter was given time.
