Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has confirmed that the club won’t be spending on a new striker before the transfer window closes next week.
The Red Devils recently confirmed that Anthony Martial will be sidelined for around 10 weeks after undergoing a surgery for a groin complaint.
It has since been reported that United can’t afford to sign a new striker due to Financial Fair Play issues. A temporary deal has also been ruled out.
Speaking in today’s press conference, Ten Hag highlighted the same. He said that there is no space to do something about the lack of quantity up front.
The Dutch tactician added that the club have Marcus Rashford to play in the number nine role in case Rasmus Hojlund needs to be given a breather.
He told reporters: “I looked but there is no space. There is no space for FFP to do something about this lack of quantity in the striker position.”
“Of course, Rashford can play as a striker; we have some other alternatives and it’s clear that Anthony is out for a couple of months it’s a gap in our squad, clear.”
United made use of the loan market last winter to sign Wout Weghorst, Marcel Sabitzer and Jack Butland for the remainder of the 2022/23 campaign.
It was anticipated that they could do something similar this time. RB Leipzig’s Timo Werner was linked with the club before his move to Tottenham on loan.
In recent days, Bayern Munich striker Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting has been linked, but a deal is no longer on the cards with United in a difficult FFP situation.
The Red Devils are expected to halt their transfer activity until the summer where they plan to recoup as much as £200 million from the sale of six players.
Mason Greenwood, Scott McTominay, Hannibal Mejbri and Alvaro Fernandez could leave for £100m. Jadon Sancho and Antony could secure another £100m for the club.
Aside from them, Raphael Varane and Martial are set to leave on free transfers while Casemiro could also be shown the exit door at the end of the campaign.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
