Elite operator ‘wants’ Man Utd move with sensational swap to solve battle

Man Utd could act on their ‘strong interest’ in a world class goalkeeper to finally solve the ongoing squad battle between David de Gea and Dean Henderson.

Man Utd are enjoying a stellar season under the guiding hand of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The club are challenging for trophies on two fronts and will secure a top four finish barring disaster.

The Red Devils’ squad has been settled for much of the campaign. Though rumblings of who should be the number one goalkeeper have recently emerged.

Solskjaer claimed both De Gea and Henderson are his number ones. That declaration was met with defiance from Man Utd legend Paul Scholes.

De Gea had been a flawless performer for years at Old Trafford, though patchy form in recent seasons put his position under pressure.

Henderson returned from an excellent loan spell at Sheffield Utd last season and has rarely put a foot wrong when afforded opportunities.

The Englishman appears set to be given an extended run in the league for the remainder of the season. De Gea’s inclusion against Granada midweek would appear to confirm the change in pecking order.

However, with De Gea the world’s highest paid goalkeeper and doubts remaining over Henderson’s credentials at the game’s pinnacle, The Express (citing 90min) claim a sensational swap deal could be on the cards.

They reveal that Man Utd could look to sign Atletico Madrid stalwart Jan Oblak this summer.

The Slovenian has been one of the world’ premier goalkeepers for Atletico over the last five years, but is reportedly ‘open to joining Man Utd.’

Man Utd’s interest levels are said to be ‘strong,’ with the idea of including De Gea in a blockbuster swap deal touted.

If the Spaniard’s slip down the ranks becomes permanent, the club reportedly have reservations over holding such a highly-paid back-up.

A swap would solve the dual issues of offloading the club’s ageing highest earner while simultaneously bringing in a superior performer.

Pulling off the coup would undoubtedly be difficult as the article states. Furthermore, Chelsea have been credited with firm interest in Oblak, should he become available.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says there is 'open dialogue' with Edinson Cavani

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says there is 'open dialogue' with Edinson Cavani over his future and is relaxed with the forward needing time to decide his future.

Mourinho on Fernandes’ side against Solskjaer

Meanwhile, Jose Mourinho could not resist a little dig at Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after taking a dig at his opinion that trophies do not determine success – and he claims Sir Alex Ferguson would agree with him.

Solskjaer’s side only have one trophy avenue open to them this season in the Europa League. They already have one foot in the semi-finals, having beat Granada 2-0 in the quarter-final first leg. United are now favourites to win the competition that would represent a first piece of silverware under Solskjaer’s regime.

One avenue, the FA Cup, was closed off to them last month when they lost in disappointing fashion at Leicester. After the game, Solskjear played down the importance of winning trophies. He even suggested they are an ‘ego’ thing for players and other managers.

Solskjaer’s comments were this week contradicted by star man Bruno Fernandes. He is adamant that a club like United should regularly be getting their hands on silverware.

Predcitably, Mourinho has had his say on the situation, stating: “It’s his [Solskjaer’s] opinion. I’m pretty sure his big boss Sir Alex had a different opinion about it.

“But I respect what Solskjaer thinks. I think different.

“Freedom of thinking, freedom of ideas, and if that is what he thinks that is fine by me. It’s not a problem for me, he’s not being disrespectful to anyone.

“But I repeat I believe his big boss, and the biggest in Premier League history, has a different view in relation to that.”

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