Man Utd given worrying financial update ahead of January window
Tom Weber
- Updated: 8 Nov 2023 20:28 GMT
- 3 min read
Manchester United will have to pinch pennies in January, according to a report.
Red Devils fans who expect another transfer window of lavish spending are set to be disappointed. As outlined by the Daily Mail, Man Utd won't be able to splash the cash in the winter as their financial situation has not significantly improved since the summer, meaning that they are still butting up against Financial Fair Play regulations.
Moreover, there is still some uncertainty surrounding Sir Jim Ratcliffe's minority investment in the club and what his acquisition of sporting control will mean for some of the Red Devils' recruitment staff, with director of football John Murtough's job in particular thought to be at risk.
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It is asserted that Man Utd will be limited to "cheap or loan deals in the January transfer window," casting doubt on their pursuit of some of the big-name stars they have been linked with.
No Todibo and Toney?
According to the above-mentioned report, Erik ten Hag would like to add a high-profile striker like Ivan Toney in January to support the young Rasmus Hojlund, but given that the Red Devils splashed €75 million on the Dane in the summer - which may have been a mistake - a deal for the Brentford star is pretty much out of the question.
Similar must be said about their pursuit of a defender, with Jean-Clair Todibo most prominently linked. Indeed, according to a recent report, United will attempt to sign Todibo, for whom Nice are asking for €50m, in the summer - but it could be too late by then given Chelsea are also keen on the Frenchman.
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A lot will ultimately depend on whether they will be able to offload some deadwood, but even that could prove tough. Donny van de Beek and Jadon Sancho are expected to leave in January but selling them, rather than merely loaning them, will be difficult unless Man Utd are prepared to take massive losses on their original outlay.
