Transfer Centre

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 'to be handed £50m January spending funds'

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 19 December 2018

New interim Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will reportedly be handed a £50m war chest to sign new players when the transfer window reopens.

Interim Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will reportedly be given £50m to spend on the squad during the January transfer window.

Solskjaer was confirmed as United's new boss until the end of the season earlier today, following the exit of Jose Mourinho yesterday.

The Mirror reports that, despite the Norwegian's short-term contract, Ed Woodward is willing to sanction money for next month's transfer window in a bid to salvage United's top-four hopes.

The Red Devils currently sit 11 points adrift of the Champions League places and 19 off the top of the table after only 17 games of the season.

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis revealed today that United had made a bid of £95m for Kalidou Koulibaly before Mourinho's departure, but such lavish spending is now not expected until a new permanent successor is appointed.

Woodward is hopeful that £50m will be enough for United to bring in a new central defender and right-sided midfielder.

However, the Red Devils' valuation of £30m for Tottenham Hotspur contract rebel Toby Alderweireld is still thought to be below what Spurs will accept, particularly given the speculation surrounding United's interest in Mauricio Pochettino.

Solskjaer will take training for the first time on Thursday before facing former club Cardiff City in his first match at the helm on Saturday.