We must be ‘realistic’ with money

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer warned Manchester United supporters that they shouldn’t expect a lot of spending in the summer to help close the gap with Manchester City.

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City appear poised for a third title in four years after opening up a healthy lead at the top of the Premier League table. United have been their closest rivals for much of the season and while they are paying to catch up, Solskjaer insists the club will have to be cautious about spending in the next transfer window due to the coronavirus pandemic in course.

“The pandemic is definitely affecting everyone in football,” Solskjaer said at a news conference on Tuesday. “Of course the lack of income, finances has affected everyone. It can affect us all well.

“We have to be realistic and responsible in the way we do our business, both on and off the pitch. There are improvements in the training ground, the stadium, we have to look at the big picture. Where can we spend the money? How much is there? Now it’s just the real world. It’s changed.

“I think there will be fewer and fewer transfers in the world of football with all these changes.”

Sources have told ESPN that Solskjaer will have money to spend in the summer. But the club’s latest financial figures, to be released on Thursday, will show a significant impact caused by the pandemic and Solskjaer says spending restrictions may lead to more young players being promoted from the academy.

“You can see it in different ways,” he said. “We have players in the academy that now maybe we can give opportunities. All the clubs in the world are going through the same situation, so it is no different for other clubs than for us.”

Despite continued financial uncertainty, Solskjaer and his hiring team are still finalizing plans for the summer window. Sources have told ESPN that center-backs, defensive midfielders and forwards are being considered, but Solskjaer may have to prioritize where to spend available money.

“We are always looking to improve our team, of course we are,” Solskjaer said. “We are always looking for better players, of course we are.”