Solskjaer keen to bring in a dependable partner for reliable United star | OneFootball

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looking for a partner to compliment skipper Harry Maguire

According to the Daily Star, Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants a left-sided centre-back to partner Harry Maguire next season.

Having secured Champions League football, Solskjaer is keen to add to his squad this summer. This has prompted Ed Woodward to work on a number of deals.

United’s priority is to land Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho. However, the German giants’ £108m asking price has been met with disdain by the Red Devils.

With Dortmund refusing to back down, negotiations between both sides have now come to a standstill. With the player not attempting to force through a move, Woodward will have to change his tactics.

Attention now has turned to the other end of the pitch, where Solskjaer is seeking reinforcements. Despite the improvement brought about by Maguire’s addition, his weakness to get caught out remains a real possibility.

Maguire’s lack of pace has often proven to be a hindrance, especially on the turn. Bringing in such a player who can slot in as the left-sided centre-back will complement the United skipper’s strengths.

One of the prominent names who meets the criteria is Lille star Gabriel Magalhaes. The 22-year-old’s performances have also garnered attention from Chelsea, Arsenal and Everton.

Although Solskjaer is also keen on bringing back Chris Smalling, the Englishman remains adamant on returning to Roma. However, the Italians and United are some way off in their valuation at this point in time.

Other defenders on the chopping block could be Marcos Rojo and possibly Phil Jones. The former is on loan at Estudiantes, while the latter is recovering from injury.

More Manchester United News

United securing Sancho is all well and good. But the club needs a number of reinforcements in different areas of the squad to remain competitive next season.

Starting off with the backline is a smart approach. Making ourselves difficult to beat is a solid foundation to build upon in successive windows.