How Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Man Utd sacking could impact Everton’s January recruitment

The Toffees have been linked to two Red Devils players but things could now change depending on who becomes the new manager at Old Trafford.
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It was an inevitable sacking after an ignominious defeat.

Manchester United finally wielded the axe on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after their embarrassing 4-1 loss at Watford on Saturday.

The result left United languishing in eighth spot in the Premier League and are already six points adrift of the Champions League place.

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As things stand, Michael Carrick is holding the reins as United search for Solskjaer's successor.

Mauricio Pochettino, Zinedine Zidane and Brendan Rodgers are all the names mooted to be in the reckoning.

Whoever becomes the next man in the Old Trafford hot seat, it could impact Everton's recruitment plans.

Duo wanted

January is just around the corner and Rafa Benitez will be desperate for reinforcements.

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After the 3-0 loss at Manchester City, which extended the Toffees’ winless run to six matches, the Goodison Park chief admitted he hoped to use the winter window to find solutions.

If reports are to be believed, Benitez had been identified the potential remedies to Everton's ongoing problems on the opposite end of the M62.

The Blues have been linked with Man Utd pair Jesse Lingard and Donny van de Beek.

Jesse Lingard has been out of favour at Man Utd this season. Picture: Charlie Crowhurst/Getty ImagesJesse Lingard has been out of favour at Man Utd this season. Picture: Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images
Jesse Lingard has been out of favour at Man Utd this season. Picture: Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images

The pair had been firmly out of Solskjaer's plans before his sacking.

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Despite a scintillating loan spell at West Ham during the second half of last season, scoring nine goals in 16 games, Lingard has managed just 69 minutes of league action this season. He came on in the dying embers of the Watford reverse.

Van de Beek, meanwhile, was also in the cold under Solskjaer. He ironically scored at Watford in what was just his sixth appearance of the season.

Second chances

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However, a new man in charge of United could thwart the Toffees' attempts to sign either.

Donny van de Beek has had a frustrating time at Man Utd. Picture: IAN KINGTON/AFP via Getty ImagesDonny van de Beek has had a frustrating time at Man Utd. Picture: IAN KINGTON/AFP via Getty Images
Donny van de Beek has had a frustrating time at Man Utd. Picture: IAN KINGTON/AFP via Getty Images

So often, managers who've just come in give everyone a clean slate.

There are no loyalties, no favourites in the bid to turn around a struggling team’s fortunes.

Whoever catches the eye in training or shows an impressive attitude usually get the nod.

If Lingard and van de Beek are given second chances to grasp them then a potential exit will almost certainly be ruled out.