Manchester United owners the Glazer family have reportedly told Erik ten Hag that money will be available to spend in January – but funds will be restricted with a keener eye on the summer window and amid links to an Atletico Madrid star.
The Erik ten Hag era finally looks like it’s finding some momentum after a woeful start. Defeats against Brighton and Brentford in their first two games saw some early question marks being raised over his appointment. But beating Liverpool in the Premier League sparked a tremendous run of form that has seen United win five of their last six games.
It’s probably the least should expect though given the money spent. Ten Hag was allowed to spend around £216m this summer – the most United have ever invested in a single transfer window. And with Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez and Antony all arriving for huge fees, United will be expected to push for the top four this season.
Indeed, the signing of one of those men has been labelled a masterstroke by one suitably-impressed Tottenham star.
And despite bringing in six new players, there remains areas of weakness in the Red Devils XI.
To that end, United still have question marks over their midfield and attack, while a new right-back remains on United’s agenda.
To that end, a recent report claims a Leicester star and Ajax attacker were Ten Hag’s ‘chosen ones’ ahead of the January window.
As a result, it was suggested Ten Hag will be granted around another £70m – £100m for January additions.
However, The Athletic claims that may not be the case after all and that the Glazer family have other plans.
Man Utd January transfer funds will be restricted
They state that, while money will be made available, they are advising Ten Hag and director of football John Murtough to go easy in January. United’s owners feel the January market is an especially tough one and any deals would force United to pay over the odds.
Furthermore, they are advising Murtough and Ten Hag to instead wait for the summer 2023 window when sizeable funds will be made available again.
The suggestion is thought to have disappointed Ten Hag, who very much hopes to add to his squad in January. Having invested so much in the summer, he believes further reinforcements can help United continue their upward surge.
But at the same time, he is reportedly understanding of the situation given his £216m summer splurge.
The message will likely impact his efforts in the January window. As a result, there may only be one new signing, instead of two, when the winter window opens.
Ten Hag will likely have to choose which area to prioritise. And any decision on that front will likely remain on hold to see how the season pans out.
United saw their game against Leeds postponed on Sunday meaning it will be October 2 before they play again. Ten Hag though is using the extended break to work with his players.
“Always to use such breaks is useful,” Ten Hag said following Thursday’s Europa League win over Sheriff Tiraspol in Moldova.
“We have many meetings, we have to improve the structures in and around the club, we will do. We will also look to the window in January or next summer already.”
United tracking Antoine Griezmann
Much of that January spending may well depend on the future of Cristiano Ronaldo. He remains at the club for now but may still push to leave when the winter window reopens.
Were that to happen, United will likely focus on strengthening their attack ahead of plans to bolster their right-back options.
And the name now seemingly at the top of their wanted list is Antoine Griezmann.
The France striker is seemingly getting frustrated over an ongoing stand-off between Atletico Madrid and Barcelona. The complex dispute means Atleti currently only play Griezmann for less than 45 minutes per game. That’s in the belief that it will save them money on his fee due to a clause in the arrangement.
But Barcelona believe otherwise and the disagreement may result in a permanent deal collapsing.
And Sunday’s Transfer Gossip claims that while Griezmann is yet to act out over his lack of starts, his patience is starting to wear thin.
That could open the door for a cut-price approach from Manchester United with Barcelona eager to move him on.
Griezmann may prove the ideal solution too, with the 31-year-old long being linked with a move to Old Trafford.
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