Solskjaer calls for Manchester United transfer backing with Jadon Sancho and Jack Grealish top targets

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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has told Manchester United they have to spend if he is to build on Champions League qualification.

United secured a return to the top table of European football with a 2-0 win against Leicester.

A third place finish is their second highest since Sir Alex Ferguson retired – and endorsement of the work carried out by Solskjaer.

But he insists they will have to bolster their squad if they are mount a dual pursuit in both the Premier League and Champions League next season.

Jadon Sancho is his top target when the transfer window opens, with Jack Grealish also in his sights.

He said: “First of all, the season next season with the Champions League instead of the Europa League, will be different,” he said. “We want to move up the league table.

"We can’t take our eye off the league and rest in Europa League like this season. There are more demands on players.

“We have to work hard in summer. Next season will be even more testing and challenging. You’ve got to get used to playing 40 or 45 games for this club every season.”

Solskjaer now wants to turn United into a genuine title-challenging team and take on Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola after proving his doubters wrong.

“It didn’t seem like you (all) were expecting third,” he said. “All the predictions were sixth or seventh.

Manchester United via Getty Imag

“I’ve always been made that way. If I’m getting criticised that makes me stronger and just believe more in what I’m doing.

“Please don’t praise me too much because you can get complacent.

“I think third with this team and this squad, where we’ve been, with the rebuild, has been a massive achievement by everyone.

“It’s a massive challenge (ahead). I believe in what I do. I believe in what I have been doing and we all have different ideas of management and how we go about things.

“I did it my way. That’s the only way I can do it. I have fantastic staff and the players have bought into this, the personalities have taken on board what we have been doing.

“I’m not going to say I’m not the man (to lead United) because I’m in the job. I believe in what I’m doing.”

Bruno Fernandes set United on their way to victory with a penalty after 71 minutes.

POOL/AFP via Getty Images

The Portugal international has transformed United’s fortunes since arriving from Sporting Lisbon in January with 10 goals and eight assists.

Solskjaer added: “We have to admit that he’s come in and been a massive influence. A massive impact.

“He’s been fantastic, scoring goals, creating goals, but also his enthusiasm and mentality around the place has helped.

“Maybe today you can see a tired Bruno and that’s natural because he’s played too much. You can see his passion – he’s moaning a little bit here and there so we will have to take that away from him at times. But he’s stepped up calm as you like and slotted away the penalty.

“I’d seen him on telly. When I went to see him live he was exceptional in his enthusiasm, the way he wanted to win, his winning mentality, that was absolutely exceptional.

“But I have to go back to all the chief scouts. The scouting network has been really good. It’s not like I can just pick someone and if five of them say no, I will force things through. It’s a team effort there as well.

“Bruno has come in and been absolutely fantastic for us.”

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