Sky Sports News reporter Dharmesh Sheth has said there is ‘every chance’ Manchester United won’t sign anyone this January.
The Red Devils spent a club-record £220m on transfers in the summer with Antony. Casemiro and Lisandro Martinez all hefty investments.
Tyrell Malacia and Martin Dubravka were also brought in as Erik ten Hag put his stamp on the side.
United are among those interested in PSV Eindhoven and Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo, with Fabrizio Romano claiming that it will take £43m to sign the 23-year-old.
However, after their huge outlay in the last window, Sheth has warned that the money may not be there this winter.
Speaking on Sky Sports News, he said: “Aside of whether they want to sign any players during January, they’re very conscious of complying with Financial Fair Play rules.
“I think there’s every chance they won’t sign anyone in the January transfer window.
“I know that’s not what Manchester United fans might want to hear, but I think there’s a long-term strategy in place with United and a lot of the clubs where they always seem to focus on the summer transfer window, and January is almost looked at as an emergency option – and I don’t think United are at that stage where it’s an emergency option.
“That’s not to say they won’t bring anyone in, they could use the loan window as well.”
TIF Thoughts on Sheth’s comments…
Will United spend in January?
Yes!
No...
It will certainly come as a blow to United if the funds aren’t available to spend in January.
Following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, a new striker will surely be top of Ten Hag’s shopping list.
Ironically, Goncalo Ramos, who replaced Ronaldo in the Portugal side during the World Cup, has also been targeted, but Romano has claimed that it will take more than £60m to sign the Benfica frontman.
Either way, whether it be Gakpo or Ramos, it is evident that substantial backing will be needed to fill the void at the top end of the pitch – and supporters will be hoping the books are balanced to allow for a move.