Manchester United will endure a quiet January transfer window to ensure they remain compliant with the Premier League’s financial rules, football director John Murtough has told fans.
United have endured a difficult second season under Erik ten Hag, sitting six points adrift of the Premier League’s top four and suffering a humilating group-stage exit from the UEFA Champions League.
The Red Devils’ struggles have come despite a busy summer window in which they spent an estimated £162million on permanent deals for Rasmus Hojlund, Mason Mount and Andre Onana, also signing Sofyan Amrabat and Sergio Reguilon on loan.
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United’s underwhelming form had left supporters hoping for reinforcements when the transfer window reopens in just under two weeks, but the Red Devils are unlikely to be busy.
Reports have previously suggested United have little room to manoeuvre within the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules, and after seeing Everton deducted 10 points for a breach of the regulations earlier this season, the Red Devils will be cautious.
In comments prepared for United’s fans’ forum, Murtough said: “Looking ahead to the January transfer window, we are not expecting it to be particularly busy.
“There will always be the possibility of deals around the edges of the squad, particularly in terms of finding opportunities for players who are not playing as much football as they would like.
“However, we’ve always been consistent in saying that we do not see January as the optimal time to do business and our recruitment strategy remains focused on summer windows.
“We’ve seen this season that financial fair play rules have real teeth, so we have to be very careful to ensure that we remain compliant, and we will.
“But that means being really disciplined on spending going forward, with a balance between incomings and outgoings.”
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— Manchester United (@ManUtd) DECEMBER 18, 2023
Jadon Sancho could be among those on the move if United sanction exits for those on the fringes of the squad, with the former Borussia Dortmund winger being frozen out following a public dispute with Ten Hag in September.
United are still yet to formally announce the sale of a minority share to Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS, who are set to assume control of the club’s football operations after agreeing to purchase a 25 per cent stake.
