Man Utd had spending power to make bigger statement in transfer window, says Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer insists Manchester United did have the spending power to make a bigger statement in the transfer window – but he refused to waste money on the wrong targets.

Thursday’s deadline passed with United failing to strengthen in midfield or up front, with a net spend of £66m.

With Marcos Rojo and Matteo Darmian also expected to leave before the transfer windows across Europe close next month, that figure is set to be further reduced.

Enraged fans have already begun protesting the club’s perceived lack of ambition with #GlazersOut and #WoodwardOut campaigns gathering pace on social media.

United have told Solskjaer he will be given further windows to complete his overhaul, but the club’s hierarchy is bracing itself for a backlash from supporters if the season gets off to a bad start.

In Pictures | Man Utd's summer transfer business

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Speaking for the first time since the window closed, Solskjaer defended his business – and had no regrets about pulling out of late deals for Paulo Dybala, Christian Eriksen and Mario Mandzukic.

He said: “I said earlier in pre-season and last season as well that it’s not about a quick fix. It’s a long rebuild, about the right players, getting the right people in and it’s not about suddenly changing that when you haven’t got the right ones and the correct answers from the players you wanted to have.

“If it’s a doubt, most of the time there’s no doubt and you’d rather trust the ones we have.

“There is money available when the right players are available.

“When the transfer window closes it’s a great feeling of relief. Now it’s done. Now we know what we’re looking forward with and I’m delighted with the three we’ve signed.

“That’s not the feeling inside the club and the feeling with the fans I’ve met. They are excited.

“There are always going to be fans out there wanting to sign players that’s part and parcel of being here. The players are here now and have been shown that trust and we believe in them.

Wan-Bissaka has impressed in pre-season
AFP/Getty Images

“The only way we can put away any doubts is by playing good football, showing the team we want to be, the style we want to play and our fans, when they see that intention, have always been supporting the team.

“Within the team and the club we’re feeling very confident and don’t feel that negativity you’re talking about.”

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