Mason Greenwood has filled the Romelu Lukaku void at Man Utd, says Ole Gunner Solskjaer
On potential January transfers: "One or two additions could create competition for places. I do have the resources and backing"
Tuesday 31 December 2019 09:25, UK
Manchester United head coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says the emergence of Mason Greenwood has helped filled the void left in the team by the departure of Romelu Lukaku.
Lukaku left Old Trafford in the summer, joining Inter Milan on a five-year deal for a fee worth in the region of £73m.
But United did not sign a direct replacement for the Belgian, who finished the 2018/19 season as the club's second highest scorer behind Paul Pogba.
- Utd interested in Benfica's Fernandes
- Consistency for United at last?
- Raiola: Pogba must play for title-winning team
Solskjaer instead opted to give more game time 18-year-old forward Mason Greenwood, who has repaid his manager with eight goals in all competitions so far this season.
"We always believed that Anthony (Martial) and Marcus (Rashford) were going to score goals. Mason has filled a big void, he has chipped in with goals.
"I'm not worried about goals from the centre forwards. Mason has eight now, Marcus and Anthony have quite a few.
"Romelu is a good striker and he will always score goals but it was time for him to move on.
"We didn't find the right one [replacement] outside of our club - we had Mason."
'Man Utd open to one or two right additions'
Solskjaer suggested United were open to making one or two signings in the January transfer window, but said the recovery of his players from injury has already created necessary competition within his squad.
"If we can keep these lot fit and keep on improving, one or two additions could create competition for places. That's what we have to deal with at this club," he added.
"We haven't much (competition) because we've had injuries but now I have to think about leaving players out. It gives me more options.
"I am optimistic that we can keep the players fit and if the right ones (transfer targets) come about I do have the resources and the backing from the board."
How to follow the January transfer window with Sky Sports
Sky Sports will bring you the very latest news from the January transfer market with the return of three shows.
Start your day with Good Morning Transfers at 9am as our team of reporters bring you the latest news and insight. Transfer Talk then follows at midday delivering analysis of the biggest stories. Then join us at 7pm for the definitive round-up of the day's news with The Transfer Show.
Meanwhile, the Transfer Talk podcast will also be back at the turn of the year with more expert analysis from here and across the continent.
And as well as tuning into Sky Sports News, don't miss a thing with our dedicated Transfer Centre blog.
