7am Man Utd news: Solskjaer aims to be perfect fit, Perisic nearly joined, plus FA Cup boost for Lukaku and Sanchez
Read all of this plus the latest transfer news, views and gossip from Old Trafford.
MY SOL BELONGS TO UTD
OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER knows his CV does not compare to those of other candidates for the Manchester United job.
Two spells at Norwegians Molde and an awful nine months at Cardiff hardly put him ahead of Mauricio Pochettino and Zinedine Zidane. But he hopes and believes he is the right fit for the permanent job at Old Trafford.
NEARLY VAN UNITED
IVAN PERISIC came incredibly close to signing for Manchester United this summer and when the move didn't materialise Jose Mourinho was left frustrated.
While the Croatian was flattered by the offer from the Special One, he was convinced to stay at Inter Milan by incoming boss Luciano Spalletti.
VALENCIA INTER DEAL
MANCHESTER UNITED captain Antonio Valencia is a target for Inter Milan, according to reports.
Valencia's future at Old Trafford is under a cloud due to lack of game time this season.
OLE TURNS TABLE BUT NOW IT GETS HARDER
MANCHESTER UNITED are the ONLY team in the Premier League to go unbeaten since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took over… but does that mean they are "back"?
No other Prem side were unbeaten over the festive period as United wracked up four straight wins in the interim manager's first four games, netting 14 times.
LUK WHO'S BACK
OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER has revealed that Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez will start against Reading in the FA Cup.
Both forwards have only had substitute appearances since the Norwegian took over, following a series of fitness issues this season.
GUNNAR STAY
MAN UNITED boss Solskjaer has blocked any loan moves that would see Angel Gomes leave the club this season.
The Norwegian wants to keep hold of the youngster as he looks to hand him some first-team minutes.
PER SHAPED
ANDREAS PEREIRA could join Valencia on a free transfer as United continue to stall on offering him a new contract.
The Brazilian is out of contract in the summer – and could return to Spain after spending last season at the Mestalla.
TESTING TIMES
OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER is insistent on replicating his old boss Sir Alex Ferguson at Man United after reintroducing quiz nights during overnight stays.
The Norwegian is hoping the general knowledge quizzes will boost team morale like it did under the Scottish manager.
DEVILS DELIGHT
ODDS on Toby Alderweireld to Man United have been slashed after Tottenham inserted a release clause into the defender's contract.
The Belgian was a free agent in the summer until Spurs extended it until 2020 – but he can leave for £25m leaving the Red Devils 6/4 favourites to sign him
OLE GUNNAR BUY
MAN UNITED caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is set to meet chief Ed Woodward for talks on January transfer targets.
The Norwegian is expected to only remain at the helm until the end of the season – but could play a key role in preparing the Red Devils for the future.
POG OUT
PAUL POGBA will miss United's FA Cup clash with Reading following Jonjo Shelvey's horror challenge.
The Newcastle midfielder raked his studs down the back of the Frenchman's legs – with the former England international escaping punishment.
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