The backlog awaiting Solskjaer ahead of the new season

Manchester United manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is facing a myriad of problems on the club’s pre-season tour even before his side plays a single pre-season friendly.

Wantaway man, Paul Pogba’s agent, Mino Raiola, stands rooted to secure his client a move this summer and has since accused United of not supporting the midfielder enough over his desire to leave.

The manager who is facing the prospect of losing the United’s record £89million signing Pogba this summer now has similar concerns over central defender Victor Lindelof.

The star, a £30m buy from Benfica two years ago, is arguably United’s best centre-back and has attracted interest from a host of Europe’s top clubs, chiefly Spanish giants Barcelona who have recorded interests in signing him.

And the Sweden star’s agent, Hassan Cetinkaya, claimed Lindelof could move on this summer, suggesting the 24-year-old is keen to make the switch if United are willing to let him go.

“Lindelof is in the orbit of a great European club,” said Cetinkaya. “But leaving United depends on the English club.”

Other problems piling on Solskjaer include No.1 goalkeeper David De Gea, who will be out of contract next summer and yet to sign a new £350,000-a-week contract which is on the table, while a spat between Pogba and Jesse Lingard caught on film by the club and posted on United’s official social media feeds hinted at tensions in the camp.

The future former Arsenal man, Alexis Sanchez is another headache for Solskjaer, after the £500,000-a-week forward, whom the United boss is keen to offload, suffered a hamstring injury playing for Chile in the Copa America.

Sanchez, 30, was never going to join up with United during their pre-season trek of Australia, Singapore and China, but his latest injury, if serious, could ultimately scupper efforts to find him a new club.

But Solskajer’s biggest ongoing issue is the future of Pogba, who wants a new challenge and who is determined to force through a move to Real Madrid or back to his former club Juventus, with United unwilling to accept anything less than £150m.

Pogba’s agent, Raiola, claimed United have known about the player’s disenchantment for some time and accused them of not doing enough to protect him against perceived unjust criticism from fans and the football world.

“The player has done nothing wrong,” said Raiola.

“He has been respectful and professional in every way and always. The club has known his feelings for a long time.

“It’s a shame other people only like to criticise without the right information, and I’m also sorry that the club does not take any position against this.

“Hopefully there will soon be a satisfying solution for all parties.”

Solskjaer will face the world’s media at a press conference in Perth today ahead of United’s opening tour game on Saturday against Perth Glory at the Optus Stadium.

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