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No Manchester United 'panic' over transfers if we miss out on Champions League, says Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

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Getty Images

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer insists there will be no panic at Manchester United even if they miss out on the Champions League this season.

The Norwegian is already making plans for next term and wants to make three major signings when the transfer window opens.

United’s finances will be significantly reduced if they fail to qualify for the Champions League for a second successive season – including a £22.5million hit as part of their sponsorship deal with Adidas.

Jadon Sancho and Jack Grealish are leading targets, with Donny van de Beek among players being considered by Solskjaer.

And while Solskjaer has his sights set on a top three finish, he believes the club will stick to their long-term planning regardless.

He said: “I don’t think it’s about dramatic decisions. I don’t think the club would either panic or suddenly go crazy with plans that we’ve already talked about for years to come.

“You do have to have a long-term plan. Of course, short-term maybe some decisions will be easier to make if you get into the Champions League.”

Solskjaer added: “Quite a lot of planning is going on. When do we start the league? That is determined by how far do we go in Europe.

“There are so many small decisions and of course transfers. That’s sometimes out of our hands. If the team is going well, what do we need, do you get injuries? That’s just the way of working in this job that you’ve always got to plan for different scenarios.”

United are on a 17-game unbeaten run and still in contention to win the FA Cup and Europa League after a desperate start to the season.

Despite the growing expectations around the club, Solskjaer is adamant that he wants silverware to show for the work he’s done.

“If we were challenging for the trophies maybe I would say (it’s like the old days),” he said. “Now it’s about keeping on developing the culture, keep doing the right things, taking one game off at a time, one day at a time in the training ground environment and hopefully keep on pushing. Every day is a chance to make or break that culture.

“We had an up and down season. A great win against Chelsea then we got a setback and the players have stuck to the task in hard times, difficult times, believed in the coaches and what we’re trying to do and trusted us when results haven’t gone great.

Solskjaer has set his sights on third (REUTERS)
Solskjaer has set his sights on third (REUTERS)

“Now it’s time to keep feet on the ground, keep working, don’t believe in all the hype and praise – that’s not their job.

“It’s the same as don’t believe in all criticism when you don’t do well. The end (of the season) is not too far away so the goal is getting closer.”

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