Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has been told to prepare for a quiet transfer window in January.
According to The Mirror, while he wants his rebuilding to proceed as quickly as possible, the Dutch manager will have to look beyond the turn of the year for new faces.
The Mirror reports: “The United boss could be left frustrated.”
“Mirror Football understands that Ten Hag has been told that January could be a quiet window, with a money bonus.”
“It is news that is unlikely to appease supporters as the club’s owners, the Glazers, are already under intense scrutiny.”
This news comes after United received a major lifeline in pursuit of Ten Hag’s priority target, Frenkie de Jong.
The Dutch international admitted in a candid interview that he was under pressure from everywhere, including from Joan Laporta, to leave the Spanish giants.
De Jong’s price in January would likely remain the same as it was in the summer, but with the Glazers not loosening the purse strings, the move to Old Trafford could be postponed until the summer.
Similarly, United were yesterday linked to Rafal Leao of AC Milan.
Ten Hag is said to be a huge fan of the Portuguese and sees him as a legitimate candidate to go straight into the attacking department, possibly as a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo.
So strong is the Reds’ interest in Leao that Ten Hag sent scouts to watch him in the Champions League against Chelsea.
Chelsea themselves are hot on Leao’s trail and could be forced to submit an offer soon.
United cannot afford to let the January window pass without addressing some of the team’s gaps. A forward and a right back are priority positions.
There are options out there. The hierarchy must support the manager and give him the best possible chance of success.
