Solskjaer previews Man Utd's clash with Villarreal
Former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves has questioned why the Red Devils chose not to sign Villarreal’s Pau Torres during the summer transfer window. United bossOle Gunnar Solskjaermade acquiring a new centre-back partner for Harry Maguire a top priority after experiencing some defensive issues last season.
Torres was strongly linked with a transfer to the Old Trafford side but the move did not materialise.
Solskjaer instead landed Raphael Varane, his top target, in a bargain £35million deal from Real Madrid.
Varane has performed well alongside Maguire in the Premier League, with United finally seeing their unbeaten start to the campaign ended by Aston Villa last weekend.
However, ex-England star Hargreaves believes United should have bought Spain international Torres, who lined up against United in the Champions League on Wednesday.
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“He’s got a fabulous left foot, he’s great in possession. A fantastic player so I don’t think he’ll be at Villarreal very long."
Varane was one of three major additions to Solskjaer’s squad during the summer window.
Jadon Sancho was signed in a blockbuster £73m deal while Cristiano Ronaldo completed a sensational return. Tom Heaton was also acquired as a third-choice goalkeeper.
Man Utd were reportedly interested in signing Pau Torres (Image: GETTY)
Hargreaves believes United are still some way behind the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea because Solskjaer has not yet settled on a preferred team.
He added: “I don’t think Ole does [know his best XI]. That will take time.
“If you look at Man City, Liverpool, Chelsea, all teams pick themselves the further they’re along in their evolutions.
“United added some players to their squad in Jadon, Varane and Cristiano, so it’s going to take time to integrate those players with Pogba, Bruno Fernandes.
“The attack the potential is off the charts. Ole spoke about getting the balance right and that why Pogba has been on the right but tonight he plays in the centre.
“The potential is there for this side but it’ll be a work in progress this season.”