Ed Woodward told Man Utd's next manager needs £ 700m to spend on transfers – Mirror Online, Mirror

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Ed Woodward has been warned that Manchester United’s next manager will have to spend £ 700 million on transfers to get the team back to the top.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s future is in doubt after his reign as United boss hit a new low with Sunday’s 1-0 loss to fellow strugglersNewcastle.

The defeat left the Red Devils floundering in 12 th place in the Premier League, just two points above the relegation zone after two wins from their opening eight games.

Executive vice-chairman Ed Woodwardis understood to be losing patiencewith the team’s poor form, while there have been claims that Solskjaer is losing the dressing room with players questioning his tactics.

Leicesterboss Brendan Rodgers,Tottenhammanager Mauricio Pochettino and formerJuventuschief Max Allegri all having been touted as potential successors to Solskjaer should Woodward decide to call time on the former Red Devils striker’s time in the hotseat.

But if there is a change, whoever takes over will have a hug job on their hands to turn United back into genuine Premier League contenders.

So says formerArsenalmidfielder Paul Merson, who reckons any incoming manager would have to spend £ 700 m to get the squad up to scratch.

Merson is also unsure who would want to take on the job, with United having fallen so far from their glory days under Sir Alex Ferguson.

“Who takes this job?” said Merson, speaking on The Debate on Sky Sports.

“This was a once in a lifetime job. You manage England, Man United and they are the two.

“Now, I wouldn’t see a queue round the block. They are a million miles off.

“This is a £ 700 m job.If someone like Allegri came in, he would want £ 700 m to spend. They need seven players. “

First priority would be a striker, with United’s failure to replace Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez having come back to haunt them in recent weeks. The club would also likely need a top holding midfielder, among other positions.