Manchester United legend Mikael Silvestre believes that the January transfer window will present three distinct problems to the club’s new part-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Injuries have depleted Erik ten Hag’s squad in recent weeks, although the Red Devils boss has been advised to curtail his expectations in the transfer market.
After an up-and-down start to the season which has left them seventh in the Premier League table, United are reported to be eyeing up moves for two midfielders, a right-footed centre-back and a striker.
Ten Hag will be desperate for any new acquisitions to hit the ground running, as Saturday’s miserable defeat at Newcastle brought fresh scrutiny on his position as United manager. Sir Jim’s 25-per-cent buy-in at Old Trafford is due to be confirmed next week, in plenty of time to put plans in place for January.
However, Silvestre has warned the petrochemicals billionaire that the winter window presents three particular difficulties, namely the lack of opportunities to sign players mid-season, the absence of available stars capable of improving Ten Hag’s side, and the difficulty of getting good value.
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“The January transfer window is always tricky,” Silvestre, who made over 350 appearances for United, told Express Sport in association with bettingexpert.com. “There won’t be many opportunities because it’s a window in which you react.
“It’s difficult to get what you want at the price you want, and the quality you want. You have to assess and see if there is something that can be done.
United’s next opportunity to ease the pressure on Ten Hag will come at home to Chelsea on Wednesday night. The Blues head into the contest off the back of a morale-boosting 3-2 win over Brighton, having played the entire second half with 10 men.
The Red Devils spent big over the summer on the likes of Rasmus Hojlund, Mason Mount and Andre Onana, but hardly any of Ten Hag’s big-money signings have justified their price tags since landing at Old Trafford.
