Manchester United manager OIe Gunnar Solskjaer explains transfer policy after quiet January window

Amad Diallo is the only new face at Old Trafford after pre-arranged move from Atalanta

Mark Critchley
Northern Football Correspondent
Monday 01 February 2021 17:13 GMT
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Manchester United new signing Amad Diallo
Manchester United new signing Amad Diallo (Manchester United via Getty Images)

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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes Manchester United have had a productive January transfer window despite only focusing on outgoings.

Solskjaer confirmed that United will not be in market to make any additions to their squad during the final hours before Monday's 11pm deadline.

The only business expected at Old Trafford will involve Marcos Rojo potentially completing his move to Boca Juniors, while young defender Teden Mengi is expected to join Derby County on loan.

Read more: Transfer news LIVE: Liverpool chase two centre-backs, Arsenal defender offer, Man Utd exits and more

United have already allowed Jesse Lingard and Facundo Pellistri to join West Ham and Alaves on loan respectively, while Tahith Chong and James Garner will spend the rest of the season at Club Brugge and Nottingham Forest.

"I can confirm there won't be anyone coming in, so don't stay up late," Solskjaer said, while previewing Southampton's visit to Old Trafford on Tuesday night.

"We've made decisions we feel have been good for individuals and us as well - with the young players moving on, with Garner, Chong, Mengi, Pellistri," the United manager added.

"Getting the chance to play more football has been important for us and our group is a tight knit group.  

"We don't have too many players in excess and hopefully Jesse can get going and play well at West Ham as well."

United also allowed full-back Timothy Fosu-Mensah to join Bayer Leverkusen earlier in the window.

Amad Diallo is the only new face in Solskjaer's squad this month, having agreed to join in an initial £19m signing on the final day of the summer window in October.

Diallo scored twice in a 6-3 win for the Under-23s against Liverpool on Saturday, in what was his first appearance in a United shirt, but Solskjaer is happy to be patient with the 18-year-old.

"We're going to give him the time to settle in and keep showing his skills, improving, get used to England and our way.  

"If we go from that game, I'd pick Joe Hugill. He scored four goals, should have taken the penalty and got five instead of giving it to Amad, so Amad got two.  

"But Amad has come in and done well in traiing. He's got very good, close technique, he'll open up defences, so I don't think it's going to be too long before he's involved in a matchday squad."

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