Here are your Manchester United evening headlines for Wednesday, April 15
Why United are yet to appoint a technical director
After first considering the idea of appointing a technical director after the 2018 summer transfer window, it had been thought that Manchester United would have an appointment in place in time for the start of the 2019/20 season.
However, as we move through the spring, the post remains unoccupied.
Norwich City’s Stuart Webber and Red Bull’s Paul Mitchell had both been named in connection with the post, though neither is understood to have come close to being hired, writes Samuel Luckhurst.
In the absence of a technical chief, transfers have largely been the remit of manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, with CEO Ed Woodward ceasing to take an active role in that side of things.
United have made four senior signings on permanent deals this season, as well as adding Odion Ighalo on loan, while selling the likes of Romelu Lukaku, Ashley Young and Matteo Darmian.
The club didn’t want to rush the appointment of a technical director for fear of them being seen as the saviour 'coming over the hill on a white steed to save the day’, but now they’re keeping tight-lipped ahead of a transfer market which is looking increasingly uncertain for all clubs.
Osimhen responds to Ighalo advice after United links
Lille striker Victor Osimhen has revealed he would like to play for 'a big club in England,' and has spoken to his Nigerian colleague Odion Ighalo about his future.
However, any suggestion of an imminent move to Old Trafford might be tempered by the explanation that he has no rush to leave the French club.
"I’ve spoken to Odion [Ighalo] about it. He gave me very good advice, he’s a legend and a big brother,” Osimhen told The Independent.
"My goal is to play at one of the biggest clubs in the world but now I’m very happy in Lille.
"My priority is to play a lot of games. Signing for a big club and being on the bench is not exciting for me."
Osimhen has scored 18 goals in his first season for Lille, helping the Ligue 1 outfit deal with the summer departure of Nicolas Pepe to Arsenal.
His tally includes two goals in the Champions League, the first of which came in Lille’s 2-1 home defeat against Chelsea.
Fernandes makes prediction about Pogba’s future
Bruno Fernandes is yet to play alongside Paul Pogba for Manchester United, with the French midfielder struggling with injury since the Portugal international arrived in January.
But Fernandes, who has impressed since joining from Sporting CP, believes the good run of form will allow Pogba to gain confidence when he is able to return.
“He started training with us in the week before we stopped, so I think when he comes back he will start to play, and be in the team," Fernandes told United’s official website.
“More than expectations, I'm confident what Paul can give to us, to the team. I think he has a lot to give, he has a lot of quality, and I think with the positive energy in the club – because we won a lot of games and we are in a good moment – everyone, the supporters and everything, will be more patient with Paul maybe.”
