Manchester United coach Erik ten Hag wants his club to jump on any opportunities to strengthen his squad that should arise in the final days of the January transfer window.
The Dutch manager spoke ahead of United’s FA Cup clash with Reading, arguing that the club should “go for it” before the window closes.
He said: “In the coming days, should we have an opportunity, I would go for it but it’s not only up to me. I think that always has to be the approach at this club. Every day you have to get better so if there are opportunities to get better then you have to strike, that’s my approach. I’m looking, doing research, I have an idea and have profiles to strengthen the squad.”
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While Ten Hag’s comments do not come across as critical, his insistence the decision is not his alone may imply a degree of frustration.
After a slightly rocky start to the season, United are enjoying excellent form and remain in all four competitions.
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However, many of their Premier League rivals have been aggressive in this window, adding both quality and strength in depth.
Chelsea have made six signings in Noni Madueke, Mykhailo Mudryk, Benoit Badiashile, Joao Felix, Andrey Santos and David Datro Fofana.
Arsenal bought both Brighton forward Leandro Trossard and Spezia centre back Jakub Kiwior, while they are reportedly working on a big-money move for Brighton’s Moises Caicedo.
By contrast, United have so far added two new signings in this window, both on loan.
One is goalkeeper Jack Butland (from Crystal Palace) who can be considered purely a depth signing. The other, striker Wout Weghorst, joined from Burnley after cutting short his loan with Besitkas and is fast becoming an important player for the Red Devils.
United legend Roy Keane has also encouraged the club to be more active in the market this month. After the Premier League defeat to Arsenal earlier in the month, Keane said: “I think United are well short. They were missing players today.”
However, despite Ten Hag’s hopes, United have not been heavily linked with any late window moves.
Bayern Munich midfielder Ryan Gravenberch was a rumoured target, but the German champions have shut down any potential departure, insisting that the Dutchman is part of their plans.
Real Betis striker Borja Iglesias is another name which has bubbled along this month, though no concrete move has yet materialised.
If United are to strengthen their squad in the final days of the window, it appears that it will need to be a move not yet widely expected.
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