Erik ten Hag gives update on Man Utd transfer plans and responds to Pep Guardiola ‘mind games’

Erik ten Hag has hinted that Wout Weghorst could be Manchester United’s final January incoming, while revealing he plans to hand more minutes to youth-team players this season.

Weghorst was confirmed as United’s latest signing on Friday, although the loan move was not completed in time for the forward to face Manchester City on Saturday. The 30-year-old is United’s second loan arrival of the window, following Jack Butland’s arrival.

Ten Hag hasn’t ruled out bringing in more players in January, but stated any new recruits must be the ‘right’ player, while also highlighting the quality United have in their Under-21 squad. “If we close this with Wout, I think we are close to finalising this, we have an extra player,” said the Red Devils boss in the build-up to Saturday’s Manchester derby.

“In the balance of the squad, it’s what we need. I am happy with that so if there are more opportunities we will be ready for that and looking for that, but it has to be once again the right player.

“With the numbers here I think with the signing of Wout and development of some players here Alejandro Garnacho is the best example but also you see in the week [against Charlton Athletic], Kobbie Mainoo and Facundo Pellestri.

“I think also we have some good young players that can also fight for their minutes. They have to deserve it in the training and when they are ready to compete and get what they deserve in the training then we are not hesitating to play them, but they have to show they can contribute to the team and the high targets we have.”

Ten Hag was also asked about Pep Guardiola’s pre-match comments when the City boss claimed he had a ‘ridiculous’ tactical plan for Saturday’s game, with it since suggested the Catalan was engaging in mind games in the build-up to the clash.

Asked if he’d taken any notice of Guardiola’s words, Ten Hag responded: “I don’t care about that, what he is thinking. But he did it more often and we are prepared for that, if he does different things. We have our principles and our rules from football.”

Of all managers, Ten Hag should know Guardiola’s approach better than most given their time together at Bayern Munich. The pair spent two years alongside each other in Bavaria when Ten Hag coached the second team while the now City boss was in charge of the senior side.

Quizzed on the biggest thing he learnt from Guardiola during that period, the Dutchman replied: “About being proactive, playing football.

“Top football is about results but you want to do it in a certain way; be proactive, adventurous, also entertain. “Top football is about winning and also entertaining the fans, top football you play for the fans.”