Ole Gunnar Solskjaer tells Besiktas to sign Manchester United star before transfer deadline

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has instructed Besiktas to sign a Manchester United player before the January transfer window closes.

Solskjaer was appointed as the new head coach of Besiktas last week, the six-time Premier League winner signing an 18-month contract with the Turkish Super Lig club.

By joining Besiktas, Solskjaer returned to management for the first time since being sacked by Manchester United in 2021.

The 51-year-old oversaw an impressive 4-1 win over La Liga side Athletic Bilbao in his first game in charge of Besiktas, who are currently sixth in the Turkish top-flight.

Solskjaer is keen to bolster his squad before the January transfer window slams shut next week and wants to bring Manchester United midfielder Casemiro to the club, according to AS.

Casemiro, 32, has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford after falling out of favour under new United boss Ruben Amorim.

The Brazilian won five Champions Leagues during his hugely successful spell at Real Madrid but has largely struggled since his £70m move to United in 2022.

Casemiro has attracted interest from Saudi Arabia but could now join Manchester United legend Solskjaer in Turkey.

He has struggled for game-time since Amorim arrived at Old Trafford in November and the ex-Sporting Lisbon boss recently discussed his lack of minutes for the team.

‘I have to choose the player with characteristics that I see the game. So it’s just that,’ he said.

‘I have to make some choices. I want to play a style of game that is sometimes different from other coaches.’

Ex-England midfielder Joe Cole believes Casemiro should be looking to leave, insisting it would ‘make sense’ for all parties.

‘It makes sense,’ ex-Chelsea and England winger Cole said on rumours of Casemiro’s proposed move from United to Saudi Arabia on Al Arabiya News’ The Dressing Room podcast.

‘They’re bringing big, big players over there and Casemiro is a big, big player. ‘It doesn’t look like he’s a part of Amorim’s plans.’

Solskjaer, who is still loved at Old Trafford, was said to be keen to sign Marcus Rashford but the wantaway United forward does not want to join the Turkish Super Lig.

Ex-Norway international Solskjaer played 366 games for Manchester United – playing a key role in the treble-winning season in 1998-99 – before managing the club for three years.

‘We believe Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will make significant contributions to our club, and we warmly welcome him to the Besiktas family, wishing him great success,’ his new club said of his appointment.

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