'It's clear' - Man Utd transfer admission made as Sir Jim Ratcliffe 'impact' awaited

Erik ten Hag has admitted Financial Fair Play regulations mean Manchester United will be unable to bring in an attacking player during the final week of the January transfer window.

The Red Devils will hope to keep alive their final chance of landing the second major trophy of Ten Hag’s reign when they visit League Two club Newport County for an FA Cup fourth round tie on Sunday afternoon.

United’s preparations for the tie have been hampered by the news Anthony Martial has been ruled out of action for around two months after the French star underwent surgery to rectify a groin injury. The news prompted speculation Ten Hag could be forced into the transfer market to boost his options at the top end of the pitch and the likes of Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson and Lille’s Jonathan David have both been linked with moves to Old Trafford.

However, as several clubs have stressed during a surprisingly quiet January transfer window, United are fully aware of the restrictions Financial Fair Play have placed upon their recruitment plans and Ten Hag has stressed he has ‘no space’ to fill a gap in his squad over the coming days.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of the trip to Rodney Parade, the United boss said: “I looked but there is no space. No space on FFP to do something about this lack of quantity in the striker position. Of course, we have Rashford, who can play as a striker, I think we also have some other alternatives creative. But it's clear: Anthony is out for a couple of months. It's a gap in our squad, clear.”

Ten Hag will hope to take advantage of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s purchase of a 25 per cent share in United and the appointment of chief executive Omar Berrada when he begins to formulate his plans for the summer transfer window. The former Ajax manager admitted Ratcliffe’s arrival will help to ‘raise standards’ and hopes Ineos will be able to have ‘a big impact’ on his bid to lead the club to success.

He said: “It gives spirit in this whole club, everyone notices this club is going into a period of changes and it's because we want to achieve high targets, standards have to change, we started with this one-and-a-half year ago. I'm sure Ineos and me are very aligned on this, we understand we have to change, we started that process last season with the dressing room but also many departments. I am very happy to raise the standards, to collaborate more and Ineos can have a big impact on that.”