Manchester United's football director John Murtough has poured water on the idea of mass arrivals at Old Trafford in January despite Erik ten Hag's willingness to bring in more signings.
The Red Devils, who hired the Dutchman in the summer from Ajax, spent £220m in the recent transfer window on new arrivals as they set about reinvigorating the squad at Carrington. Antony, Casemiro and Lisandro Martinez all arrived for big money as Ten Hag put his stamp on the playing group.
United's sixth place finish last season underlined the need to improve the squad and Ten Hag has his sights set on more reinforcements in the New Year, but without Champions League football and other revenue streams the club chief has confirmed that they spent more than planned.
Murtough has instead identified next summer's window as United's next major opportunity to bolster their squad. He said at United’s September fans’ forum: “We brought in five regular first-team starters on permanent transfers and a high-quality back-up goalkeeper on loan.
"We ended the summer slightly ahead of where we expected to be in terms of the number of players brought in, so we don’t anticipate the same level of activity in future windows, although we will continue to strengthen. The next step was reshaping the squad and we worked closely with Erik throughout the summer to agree on who to bring in, and who we would allow to leave."
Murtough's comments may well frustrate the United boss, who still has several areas he wants to strengthen. A new right-back was on his shortlist in the summer whilst he may also target a forward depending on how Cristiano Ronaldo's future plays out.
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Ten Hag said previously: “We have many meetings - we have to improve the structures in and around the club and we will also look to the window in January or next summer already.” January is known as a difficult time to do business, but United have utilised it well in the past with the addition of Bruno Fernandes in 2020.
The Red Devils are looking to secure a top four finish but face competition currently from the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham. A fresh injection in January could bolster their chances, but it looks as if Ten Hag will have to work with what he's got for the remainder of the campaign.
Any exits in the New Year could change things with Ronaldo the biggest name likely to seek a new suitor. The Portuguese star wanted to leave in the summer but was denied a move, yet has only been used sporadically by Ten Hag this season. He walked down the tunnel before their game on Wednesday night had finish, resulting in huge criticism.
