Manchester United’s Director of Football John Murtough has insisted that the club remains focused on properly strengthening their squad only in summer transfer windows. This could be a blow for Erik ten Hag’s plans to properly reinforce his squad in the January transfer window, as he’s unlikely to get major funds for new players.
Manchester United Director Confirms Future Transfer Plans
Man United director John Murtough: "Overall, we are ahead of schedule in our recruitment plans as envisaged at the start of the summer, and we do not anticipate same level of activity in future windows”. 🔴 #MUFC
“As always, our planning focuses on the summer window”. pic.twitter.com/NK6dXOijU2
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 22, 2022
Murtough Doesn’t Expect Recent Summer Business Replicated Anytime Soon
The Red Devils spent over £200 million on six new signings for the Dutch manager, the most they have handed to any manager in a single transfer window in the history of the club. Murtough spoke about the Manchester side’s recent blockbuster transfer spending and also on what can be expected for the future, as he said: “Overall, we are ahead of schedule in our recruitment plans as envisaged at the start of the summer, and we do not anticipate same level of activity in future windows.
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“As always, our planning focuses on the summer window.” With that last quote, Murtough has indicated that Ten Hag will not be given any formidable funds to work with in the January transfer window. Moreover, with the Red Devils reporting a £115.5 million net loss for the final quarter of the 2021/22 season, their finances seem to be in a crunch. The Dutchman might have to sell some players that are surplus to the squad and can then perhaps use that revenue to sign new players.
United’s Summer Transfer Window Recapped
The Manchester side had a dramatic summer transfer window in which they significantly improved the ‘weak areas’ of their squad. The Red Devils started off their business with the surprising acquisition of Dutch left-back Tyrell Malacia from Feyenooord, after which they also confirmed the smart free acquisition of Christian Eriksen.
After that, the Red Devils opened up their chequebooks for some major signings. They roped in Lisandro Martinez for a fee of around £56.7 million to reinforce their backline After failing to land Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, United made a shocking move to sign Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro for over £60 million.
Read More: Manchester United Were Never Close to Jude Bellingham Signing
Then they did one better in signing Ajax winger Antony for a whopping £86 million – making him one of their most expensive signings ever. Their final signing was that of goalkeeper Martin Dubravaka on loan from Newcastle United as a backup for David de Gea. Ten Hag still didn’t get to sign a new striker after Cristiano Ronaldo ended up staying and might look to pursue the signing of a new number nine in the next few transfer windows.
