Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants Ed Woodward transfer faith as Manchester United target Sancho and Grealish deals

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has told Ed Woodward to trust his judgement in the transfer market as the Manchester United manager targets moves for Jadon Sancho and Jack Grealish.

The Norwegian still doesn’t know how much he will have to spend as the club counts the cost of the coronavirus pandemic, but has vowed to do astute business if he is given the backing.

Borussia Dortmund are adamant they want at least £100million for Sancho, which would make him United’s all-time record signing.

Old Trafford’s hierarchy are adamant they won’t match that figure and are reluctant to spend above £60-70m on any single target.

That could lead to a stand-off with Dortmund and Solskjaer potentially missing out on the name at the top of his wanted list.

But he believes he has already proven he is a savvy operator after transforming the club’s fortunes in the transfer market in his first two windows, with the signings of Harry Maguire, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Bruno Fernandes.

And he wants Woodward to show faith again and allow him to assemble a Premier League title-challenging squad next season.

“There’s got to be realism,” Solskjaer said. “The whole world has changed both financially and the perception we’ve got on values. So every time I put the case in front of Ed, I think it’s a sensible one and a realistic one.

“I think I’ve proven I’ve always got the club in the front of my mind and the best for the club.

“I don’t think short term or that personally this would fit me for a short space of time. I always think long term and try to make good deals.

“I’m always quite careful with money, personal money as well.”

Grealish is also a leading target for United, with Solskjaer wanting to add to his creativity in midfield.

He hailed the 24-year-old ahead of Thursday’s game against Aston Villa after seeing him score in the 2-2 draw at Old Trafford in December.

“There’s been loads said about him and we need to be aware of him,” Solskjaer said. “If he’s off the left, middle or right, he attracts players to him - but there’s not just one player in that Villa team, there are a lot of them.”

For Grealish, it is a chance to further enhance his reputation and impress Solskjaer.

“Every time any player plays against Man United it’s a challenge because first of all Man United is a good team but also the whole world is watching,” said Solskjaer. “It’s not just playing in front of Man United supporters or manager or team, it’s for himself.

“You want to prove to your family and yourself. We’ve been linked with many good players and every individual linked with Man United looks at it as a compliment.”

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