Ed Woodward claims summer transfer window is important opportunity for Man Utd rebuild

Ed Woodward claims the summer transfer window will be an ‘important opportunity’ for Manchester United and suggested the club would spend big to help Ole Gunnar Solskjaer conduct his squad rebuild.

United chiefs backed Solskjaer in January with the signing of Bruno Fernandes from Sporting Lisbon, as well as striking a loan deal for ex-Watford striker Odion Ighalo. Woodward has hinted that more arrivals are set to come through the door at Old Trafford in the summer.

With Woodward looking to build a better reputation in the media, hiring former journalist turned PR Neil Ashton, this looks like an attempt to excite supporters knowing they’re already annoyed by the lack of recruitment — not the mention the terrible recruiting standards down the years.

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It’s shaping up to be a big transfer window for the club, with Paul Pogba expected to leave and the likes of Jack Grealish being heavily linked with a move. A centre-back is needed, two central midfielders and two forwards are required if we are going to push on anytime soon.

‘Our recruitment process focuses on analysis and selection of players over the course of a season, with a view of the following summer transfer window,’ Woodward said at a quarterly fans’ forum, as quoted by The Metro.

‘As part of the rebuild we see this coming summer as an important opportunity.

‘There has been no shortage of investment in players over the past few years, with over £200 million spent since Ole became manager. Our aim is to ensure that we continue to achieve consistency in quality of recruitment.

‘The recruitment department is working to a clear plan and philosophy, along with Ole and his coaching staff. Our focus is on bringing in a combination of experience and the best young players with potential to develop further, fusing graduates from our academy with high-quality acquisitions.’

Speaking on United’s chances of qualifying for the Champions League this season, Woodward added: ‘The signing of Bruno Fernandes and return of key players from injury will be a boost to Ole and the squad as we head into the second half of the season.

‘We remain in contention in the Europa League and the FA Cup, as well as for Champions League qualification, so there is still lots to play for.

‘As a club and a board, we do recognise that we are not yet where we want to be. It is the overwhelming priority of everyone at the club to get us back to regularly challenging for Premier League and Champions League titles.

‘Although progress may not always be smooth, everyone across the club is focused and committed on playing their part in helloing achieve those aims.’

The question now is will Woodward stick to his word or are these more false promises from the club’s executive vice-chairman?

Another is will Solskjaer be in charge to make those potential signings in the summer?

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