Embattled he might be at the moment but Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has no need to worry about job security. The United board issued a recent assurance that the Norwegian can focus on his rebuilding plans, a task that likely will not come easy.
This early, team officials have expressed concern that building a more competitive lineup will make life difficult for Solskjaer, who has been bothered by rumors of sacking on the account of the Red Devils dismal showing this season.
According to Metro, "there is little optimism from within the club that they will be able to find suitable replacements in January."
That's because of the absence of suitable talents on the market. Solskjaer has been consistent with his pronouncements that the club will not be rushed on hiring. United will not sign up players driven by desperation alone or the desire to boost the team's performance in the short-term.
The same report indicated that the Reds still have eyes on the likes of James Maddison, Jadon Sancho, Mario Mandzukic, and Fernando Llorente, but the likelihood of having a locked-on in acquiring these talents is still remote. At least, this is the chief concern for the January transfer window.
It has been known that United is more focused on talent acquisitions in the summer, which might explain the hesitation in effect, according to Express.
However, there is more to the pessimism that bothers the club now, and it has to do with the immediate future. The question of the team manager getting sacked anytime seems to be the source of apprehension. That's because plans will surely get altered when Solskjaer is fired, and the new boss has fresh tactics in mind.
It's important to note too that in rebuilding, fund support is not exactly a problem at the Old Trafford. ESPN reported that amid the rumors of Solskjaer's uneasy tenure, the hierarchy at United has made a commitment to spend and as early as the winter transfer window.
"United are willing to bolster key positions in January but have made it clear to clubs and intermediaries that they will not be held to ransom over fees and wages," the report said.
The message was clear - Solskjaer has the clearance to hire as he sees fit but with a reminder that overspending is not allowed.
Mandzukic, for instance, remains on the top list of potential transfer targets, but for the Juventus striker to make a jump, he needs to rethink his wage demands. ESPN said United is unwilling to splurge on Mandzukic alone.
