Aheed Abrar
Erik ten Hag looking to strengthen Manchester United squad in January but admits it is not up to him
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is looking to strengthen the squad in January. However, the gaffer realises that the final decision is not up to him.
The Red Devils have signed Jack Butland and Wout Weghorst on loan in the ongoing transfer window to fill the voids left by the departures of Martin Dubravka and Cristiano Ronaldo. However, they are not what one would expect to be statement signings.
Speaking to the media via Manchester Evening News, Ten Hag admits that he has a plan for the summer but would also pursue players if there were opportunities in the market this month. The Dutch manager believes a club like United should always aspire to become better.
“I have an idea, yeah. But also in the coming days if we had the opportunity I would go for it but that’s not also up to me. That’s also clear.
“I think this club always has to have the approach that every day you have to get better so if there are opportunities to get better then you have to strike. That’s my approach so I’m looking around, to research. But I have an idea with which profiles we could strengthen the squad.”
In the summer of 2022, Ten Hag was afforded five established signings. Our spending spree in the previous transfer window started with the arrival of Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord.
Then, the club pounced on the signature of Christian Eriksen, who was a free agent. The Denmark international has surprised many with his performances in a red shirt.
Subsequently, United signed Lisandro Martinez from Ajax. The Argentina international has been a revelation in the Red Devils’ backline, forming a formidable partnership with Raphael Varane.
After the 25-year-old’s arrival, it took a while for the Old Trafford side to act. After losing the first two games of the campaign, Casemiro and Antony arrived in Manchester.
The two Brazilians have been key players for the gaffer. However, United still evidently need to add more quality in the squad. Weghorst is a decent short-term option. But with Anthony Martial’s injury issues, bringing another striker in January would not hurt.
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It seems like Ten Hag is hinting at a lack of funds at United. If it were up to him, the gaffer looks determined to have a much deeper squad. Hopefully, the Dutch manager can build on what he has at the moment and will be provided reinforcements next summer.
