‘I am happy’ - Erik ten Hag hints at Man Utd’s January transfer plans

Erik ten Hag has said he is happy with his Manchester United squad, hinting he has no plans to make major additions in the January transfer window.

The Red Devils are restricted by financial impositions ahead of the mid-season market, but there is hope that they could complete a cut-price deal or loan moves if the right player becomes available.

But asked about January transfer plans ahead of Saturday’s trip to West Ham United, Ten Hag said he expects his squad to be much stronger when players in the new year.

“The current squad I am happy, as we get our players back, we have a good squad,” he responded. “A lot of the way it went in the first season, the reasons behind because many players were not available. I am sure when all players on board it looks different, Casemiro, [Lisandro] Martinez, [Mason] Mount, we will be much stronger after the window.”

United approach the game with a six-day rest, the longest - excluding international breaks - that the team has had since August. Ten Hag said he hopes that extra rest will prove beneficial for his players, especially given West Ham were in action on Wednesday night.

“We had such a busy programme, we gave the lads some days off because we go in a busy week," explained the Dutchman. "They needed from a physical approach a rest, get away from football, mentally, go in the week, a great opportunity for us. That will give the team confidence, now we have to go forwards, make that next step.”