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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to use Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney as transfer templates

Man Utd title challenge would take "miracle", says manager Solskjaer

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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says he is not looking for 'ready-made' players

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says he wants Manchester United to sign young players who can "last here for many years" as Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney did.

United have, for the most part, abandoned their transfer policy of signing promising young talent in recent years, instead opting for big-name arrivals.

However, Solskjaer is keen to get back to the club's traditions and make purchases with an eye on the future, rather than worrying about the prospect of a near-impossible title challenge next season.

Wayne Rooney of Manchester United and Cristiano Ronaldo celebrate during the 2005 derby
Image: Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo moved to Old Trafford as teenagers

"I think I have been quite honest that challenging for the title next year would be a miraculous season because we are so far behind points-wise," said Solskjaer ahead of Sunday's visit of Cardiff.

"Next season we have to close that gap, if we manage to get to February or March and still be close then that's fantastic.

"If not, this summer will also be about players that can last here for many years. No it's not just about ready-made players. We've never been a ready-made club.

"Ronaldo was never ready-made, Wayne Rooney was never ready-made. Loads of the players that come here and really developed into the top superstars that they have become.

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Solskjaer says he is delighted to have Mike Phelan as his assistant manager

"That's always going to be the model - that we will develop players because I've got the best staff, the best environment.

"And the best supporters because they love players that excite them, that get them off their seats and we hope to get some of them in."

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