OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER will give Timothy Fosu-Mensah the chance to earn a long-term contract – with German clubs set to pounce.
Fosu-Mensah played at left-back in United’s 2-0 win over Crystal Palace in midweek.
The Dutchman has been on the sidelines for much of this season, having been on loan at Fulham last term.
But if he shows he can be versatile and become back-up for both Aaron wan-Bissaka and Luke Shaw, he could be a valuable squad player for next term.
It could also save Solskjaer millions in a transfer fee, allowing the Norwegian to focus on his main target – Jadon Sancho.
If Fosu-Mensah does not sign a new deal, Bundesliga clubs are ready to step in.
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The likes of Sancho, Jonjoe Kenny and Rabbi Matondo have impressed in the German top flight.
Jude Bellingham has also completed a £30million move from Birmingham to Borussia Dortmund as his family felt he would get more game time in Germany.
Solskjaer brought Fosu-Mensah back in from the cold against Palace.
It was his first United Prem start for over three years.
The United boss had been chasing Leicester left-back Ben Chilwell.
But, with the Foxes wanting as much as £60m for the England man, 22-year-old Fosu-Mensah could be the solution.
Fosu-Mensah signed a one-year contract extension in April so he could not leave United on a free this summer.
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But if he does not sign a new contract before the end of the summer deadline, he will be sold.
Solskjaer said after the Palace game: “He’s worked hard and delighted for him.
“I know all about having injuries – knee injuries – and how great it must have felt for him to be out there.
“He lasted a full game and he played as we wanted him to; he defended really well.
“We knew it would be Townsend and Zaha to play against – tricky players to play against.
“I’ve seen Timothy in training and seen him before with his pace and physicality, and his attributes. We thought he deserved to play this game and he proved that, he showed it.”
Solskjaer has plenty of options, with rookie left-back Brandon Williams and Portuguese right-back Diogo Dalot on the other side.
