Ole Gunnar Solskjaer faces the Manchester United exit door if he oversees a disappointing season after their big-spending summer transfer window, former Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour has warned.
United are set to complete their pursuit of Jadon Sancho this week when the England winger arrives in a £73million deal.
The Norwegian wants a new centre-back partner for Harry Maguire and Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane is believed to be a strong candidate.
Varane would likely cost United around £50m but United must spend to bridge the 12-point gap that rivals Manchester City held over them in the Premier League table last season.
Solskjaer has been told that he should be braced for United to replace him if he fails to meet expectations next term.
The 48-year-old replaced Jose Mourinho in December 2018, initially on an interim basis, and United’s second-placed finish last season is their best ranking under Solskjaer.
“He’s under pressure… he knows that though,” Parlour, who made over 400 appearances for Arsenal, said on talkSPORT.
“He’s a realistic man and he’s been in great dressing rooms that were very successful under Sir Alex Ferguson.
“He knows exactly what Manchester United is all about, he knows the expectation around the world – the support they have is unbelievable, probably the best around the world of the Premier League.
“Ole Gunnar Solskjaer needs every help he can get and he’s getting good quality players in which gives him a good chance of winning trophies.
“But if he doesn’t win trophies and they have a poor season, I’m sure Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s going to be the first to admit it hasn’t worked and will move on.”
Atletico Madrid full-back Kieran is also believed to be a target for United as Solskjaer seeks competition for Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
It would be a similar ploy to the one that saw Alex Telles arrive last summer and boost Luke Shaw’s performances.
A busy summer has also prompted United to be linked with a speculative move for Rennes sensational Eduardo Camavinga.
The 18-year-old has just a year remaining on his contract with the Ligue 1 club and a deal could be possible at a cut-price £35m fee.
Another reported possibility is the signing of England midfielder Declan Rice, who, like Camavinga, would add strength to Solskjaer’s midfield ranks.
However, West Ham value the 22-year-old at around £80m and United have other priorities at that price.
Meanwhile, Solskjaer’s side began their pre-season schedule with a 2-1 win over Wayne Rooney’s Derby County on Saturday.
Goals by Birmingham City-bound Tahith Chong and Facundo Pellistri were enough to defeat the Championship club.