Manchester United director of football has confirmed that there will not be significant changes to the Red Devils squad this winter despite calls for additions, with the club already preparing for next summer.
The Old Trafford outfit spent in excess of £200m in Erik ten Hag’s first transfer window, bringing in marquee signings Lisandro Martinez, Antony and Casemiro as well as adding Tyrell Malacia and Christian Eriksen to the squad.
But, the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo has left them somewhat light in an attacking sense, leading to speculation in the lead up to the transfer window that they could add another expensive forward, with Cody Gakpo looking the most likely.
Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo with manager Erik ten Hag after being substituted during the Premier League match at Old Trafford, Manchester. Picture date: Sunday October 16, 2022. 2K6Y1NH Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo with manager Erik ten Hag after being substituted during the Premier League match at Old Trafford, Manchester. Picture date: Sunday October 16, 2022. (Alamy Stock Photo)
Ultimately, however, United baulked at the price, leaving Liverpool with a clear run at the in-form Dutchman, and news subsequently arrived that Ten Hag and co. were focused more on loan additions this winter.
Now, that has been confirmed by the club, with Murtough explaining that a striker remains on their wishlist but they are keen to keep their money for next summer, when it is traditionally easier to get better deals than in the January window.
“We won’t be busy in January but it’s no secret that we’re looking for a new striker”. he explained. “We already spent £200m in the summer”
Pair of strikers on United’s list
United could yet be welcoming a pair of new strikers to the club this January, with reports suggesting that Wout Weghorst may be joining the club, cutting short his loan to Besiktas from Burnley in the process.
Meanwhile, the club have also been linked with a move for Al Nassr striker Vincent Aboubakar who, somewhat ironically, is set to be let go in order for the club to register former Manchester United man Cristiano Ronaldo.