Solskjaer Underlines Plans For United Progress

By Max Wise

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says he is prepared to replace underperforming players with better quality in order to return the Red Devils to the very top of European football.

The 20-time English champions are expected to flex their financial muscles in the summer transfer window with the futures of certain first-team players still uncertain.

Manchester United are locked in contract negotiations with the likes of Ander Herrera, Juan Mata and David de Gea whiles Alexis Sanchez, Eric Bailly and Marcos Rojo have bleak futures at the club.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s game against West Ham United at Old Trafford, Solskjaer who was confirmed manager in March following a three-month caretaker spell, underlined his desire to improve the club with the right materials.

"It's going to be survival of the fittest or survival of the best. That's how ruthless we have to be. We need players here who are going to be able to take us forward.

"That means culture in the dressing room and what we do every single day here to make us challenge again.

"Liverpool and City are too far ahead at the moment for what we like. We played against a Barcelona team that sets the standard in European football.

"We're under no illusion it's going to be hard work and there will be some tough decisions made by me, Mike [Phelan] and the club.

"We have a certain standard here. We got a great boost, now it's more challenging times with the results and performances.