He could help solve a problem in central defence
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has won all five of his games as interim Manchester United manager and in doing so has become the first manager in the club’s history to win his first five games in charge.
However, if he can convince the United board to sign a new central defender, it could be his finest achievement as United boss so far.
Jose Mourinho tried to do so in the summer but to no avail, as Ed Woodward, the United executive vice-chairman, was unwilling to trust the manager who signed Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof with cash to replace them.
According to reports, Solskjaer will meet with Woodward and discuss the possibility of making a move for Nikola Milenkovic in the January transfer window.
The 21-year-old Serbian central defender has impressed for Fiorentina this season, scoring twice in 18 appearances.
Milenkovic would cost United at least £45m, but he could help solve what has become a problem position for the club.
Victor Lindelof’s performances have improved under Solskjaer and Eric Bailly has the potential to be a top-class central defender, but Phil Jones and Chris Smalling remain unconvincing.
Mourinho pushed hard for a new defender during the summer transfer window, but Woodward wouldn’t sanction a deal for any of his targets.
The United executive may now have changed his stance and Solskjaer is likely to be consulted on any potential transfers this month.
Under the Norwegian coach, United have looked like a new side going forward – playing with a level of pace and movement rarely if ever seen under his predecessor – but defensively they remain shaky, and are liable to allow chances, even against weaker sides.
But the most likely outcome is that Woodward waits until the summer, when United will have a permanent manager and possibly a director of football, before giving the green light to any new transfers.
United are also understood to be interested in Kalidou Koulibaly. However, Napoli are reluctant to let him leave. During a meeting with senior United officials, they reportedly quoted a transfer fee of over £90m for the central defender.
