Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says the Manchester United board are prepared to back him in what remains of the January transfer window amid speculation he is set to sign Bruno Fernandes.
The Red devils are reportedly closing in on the £55m signing of the Portugal international who was close to joining the Premier League side during the summer window.
Solskjaer’s need for midfield reinforcements has been exacerbated by the injury sustained by McTominay which will keep him out for six weeks at least, while Pogba underwent surgery earlier this week on a persistent ankle injury.
Speaking after Saturday’s 4-0 win against Norwich, Solskjaer said: ‘Bruno Fernandes? I can’t talk about individuals that play for other clubs, but I’ve got to say I do have the backing.
‘We do have the backing to do something if the right thing comes up in this window.
‘The owners and Ed, they know what we’re building towards.’
Solskjaer watched Fernandes in action last week for Sporting, along with Mike Phelan, after which United chiefs held talks with their counterparts from the Portuguese side.
United are said to be open to the possibility of giving Sporting players in part exchange but with doubts around the fitness of Maguire, Solskjaer is reluctant to sanction the exit of Marcos Rojo this month.
Solskjaer’s side, meanwhile, gave one of their most convincing displays of the campaign, routing Norwich at Old Trafford.
Marcus Rashford continued his prolific season with two more goals, while Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood were also on the scoresheet.
‘Fantastic effort by Marcus getting to 200 games so quickly,’ said Solskjaer afterwards.
‘He got through most of the game, he is struggling a little bit so we took him off. He kept his cool. Very pleased with Marcus.
‘We reacted today, we can bounce back and we are taking more than two or three steps forward before one back, because behind the scenes we know we are doing good work.’
