Erik ten Hag insist Manchester United will not sign any players in January despite their slow start to the 2023/2024 campaign. This will be music to the ears of Premier League sides who are linked to the same players as the Red Devils in the New Year with Arsenal and Liverpool set to benefit from United’s absence in the transfer market.
Ten Hag let his winter transfer plans slip during an interview with the United We Stand fanzine. “I don’t think so — and if so, the approach from United should be that if you can improve your team, then you should do,” he said when asked if United would be bringing in any players next month.
“What we expect from every player coming to Carrington every day is for them to give their maximum, to give their best. As a club, you have to look for improvements, so if you can find better and it’s realistic financially and with financial fair play, I think the club has to go with it.
“But realistically, in relation to the market, most of the time you don’t attract the best players in the winter. The top, top players will not leave their clubs in the winter. It’s players who are disappointed, injured or just not the right fit or whatever.”
Should United choose not to fork out any funds next month then it would clear the path for Liverpool’s move for Sporting Lisbon defender Goncalo Inacio. The Reds are currently trying to identify long-term centre-back options with Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip both nearing their mid-thirties.
Liverpool scouts believe the 22-year-old would fit the bill for the kind of player they are looking but United have also been linked with him. It was thought United may have an advantage over Liverpool when it comes to the deal considering that Inacio is represented by the same agent as United skipper Bruno Fernandes but if they aren’t dipping into the market then Liverpool would be the favourites to snap him up.
Meanwhile, Ten Hag’s admission means Arsenal will have one less rival to think about in their pursuit of Ivan Toney. The Brentford striker recently sent Arsenal fans into a meltdown online after appearing to celebrate their late winner against Luton on Tuesday.
He posted a now-deleted picture of him watching the Arsenal game on Instagram with the caption: “@DeclanRice. What a game [heart eyes emoji].” This got Gooners speculating that he may be on his way to Emirates but in reality, there are a whole host of clubs lining up to sign him including Chelsea, Spurs and United but that latter may not be in the running anymore.
