According Manchester United executive vice-chairman, Ed Woodward, the club are set to trust Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with the continuation of the team’s rebuild.
The club announced the second quarter financial results for 2020 on Tuesday. The results was focused on a 17% fall in operating profits to £36.5 million, a seven per cent increase in commercial revenues and the club’s net debt inflating by 23 per cent.
Speaking with investors on a conference call, Woodward made emphasis on United’s desire on the rebuilding process of the squad. It is fair to say, Woodward has been encouraged by the team’s recent progress, and he remains optimistic that Solskjaer is the right man to bring back the glory days.
The gaffer have witnessed some inconsistencies from his team for most part of the season despite a 4-0 victory over Chelsea on matchday one, and currently lie fifth on the Premier League table.
The Norwegian has seen the likes of Ander Herrera, Romelu Lukaku, Ashley Young, Chris Smalling and Alexis Sanchez all leave the club, though the last two’s departure were loan deals. While acquiring the services of Daniel James, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Harry Maguire and Odion Ighalo (On a short deal).
Bruno Fernandes is one of the latest addition to the Manchester United squad, and the executive vice-chairman – whose house came under attacker not too long ago said the club are committed to adding ready-made “world-class” players as well promoting exciting prospects from the academy to Solskjaer’s squad.
In a statement to investors,Woodward said, “I want to provide an overview of progress towards our number one priority – winning trophies with a team playing entertaining, attacking football” said Woodward.
“Since our last call in November, we have progressed to the knock-out stages of the Europa League; we are through to the fifth round in the FA Cup, and we remain in the mix to qualify for the Champions League.
“This season is one of rebuild, with many changes to the squad – in terms of players who have left or gone out on loan; new players who we have brought into the club; and Academy graduates that we have brought through to the first team. This process will continue as we implement our plan and our footballing vision under Ole and his coaching staff.
“Despite being linked in the media to 111 players in January, our acquisition of just one of them – Bruno Fernandes – is an important step in that direction, demonstrating our commitment to adding experienced, world-class recruits to the exciting crop of Academy graduates that are at the heart of this developing team.” We will take the same planned, disciplined, approach this coming summer, he added.
“In addition to the first-team signings, somewhat under the radar, we have also made a number of exciting youth acquisitions in the past year, reflecting our commitment to bringing the best talent into our Academy.”
United are set to return to action on Thursday night, when they host Club Brugge in the second-leg of their UEFA Europa League round of 32 fixture, before facing Everton at the Goodison Park in the Premier League.
