Welcome to the United On My Mind daily round-up, where we take a look at some of the best Manchester United stories which you might have missed.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has reportedly held talks with his most senior players for ‘crisis talks’ and how the club can turn around their awful start to the season.
Manchester United are also reported to be interested in signing Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde as they look to fill the hole in midfield.
And finally, Jesse Lingard’s contract situation has collapsed as the situation surrounding the Englishman signing a new contract at the club is, quite frankly, a mess.
Last chance for Solskjaer
We don’t need to discuss the pressure the United manager finds himself under. It’s there for all to see after the calamitous last few weeks, but miraculously he’s still in a job. In order to save his job, he’s reported to have called upon his big stars for talks.
The Daily Mail have reported Solskjaer has called for ‘crisis talks’ with his United stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes and captain Harry Maguire. The report suggests the manager wanted to discuss how United can turn things around in the hope they can salvage the season… and his job.
The 48-year-old has somehow retained the support of the board but his job is hanging by a thread.
United’s potential answer to midfield dilemma
As Manchester United failed to sign a midfielder in the summer, many discussions have begun to circulate as to who the club will go for when they do get round to acquiring a specialist in the middle.
El Nacional has reported that United are interested in signing Federico Valverde from Real Madrid. Valverde was promoted to the Madrid first team in 2018 but has mostly made his appearances off the bench for Los Blancos.
But this season he’s had plenty of playing time as Toni Kroos has been injured, but reports suggest that he is not satisfied with his role at the club and United may get their chance to sign him in the summer.
One thing to consider is the fact he is on a contract with Real Madrid until 2027, so the figure for him to take him to Old Trafford, or anywhere else for that matter, will be a considerable amount.
Lingard’s contract conundrum
Jesse Lingard, in fairness, has been hard done by. After reviving his career during a half-season loan to West Ham, the London club were interested in signing him on a permanent basis. However, United and Solskjaer convinced Lingard not only to stay but that he would also be given a more senior role in regards to his playing time.
Discussions between both the club and the player over a new contract have collapsed, with the midfielder’s future now in serious doubt.
Lingard’s current deal is set to expire at the end of this season, which means if a contract isn’t offered to him he will leave on a free. A gentle reminder West Ham offered a fee that was considered below United’s valuation. Another great bit of transfer business from United.
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