Solskjaer offers surprise lifeline to forgotten United man

Matt Stead

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes it is unlikely that Manchester United will let any more players go this month – including Andreas Pereira.

United have had a quiet January transfer window, opting not to sign anyone as Solskjaer’s nascent reign has proven that their squad was always actually pretty good.

Only two players – Ethan Hamilton and Regan Poole – have left the club, and both were loan deals.

Solskjaer does not envisage any more players being allowed to go, including squad outcast Pereira.

“At the moment I can see everyone staying at the club,” he said.

“No deals have been done with anyone but there are still a few more days.

“I’m not too involved in the negotiations so whatever happens, happens.

“It’ll be good to get the window closed so we can improve the players in the squad still here.”

Pereira is one such player who may look to move, having featured just three times in Solskjaer’s first eight games.

The midfielder was a substitute against both Cardiff and Bournemouth last month, before playing the full 90 minutes in the FA Cup win over Reading.

But he has started just four games all season, with his opportunities coming few and far between.

“No, I can’t see him going out on loan because Andreas has done fantastic in training ever since I came back,” Solskjaer insisted.

“I’ve kept in touch with Warren [Joyce], who had him in the reserves, and he’s a player I can see playing quite a few games for us towards the end of the season.”