‘We have to be ready’ - Erik ten Hag gives Man Utd January transfer verdict

Erik ten Hag admitted that Manchester United could make the most of any ‘surprises’ in the January transfer market but revealed he doesn’t think many deals with be completed in the midseason window.

United have a number of areas to address in their squad, with a lack of options at centre-back, midfield and in the central and wide attacking positions. But Financial Fair Play will impact the Red Devils in January, plus the uncertainty surrounding the takeover saga, although Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos delegation is expected to announce an agreement in the coming weeks.

For now, it looks like Ten Hag will have to manage with a similar squad in the second half of the season, but the United boss didn’t fully rule out any incomings.

"I don't think [there will be many deals], but a lot is going to happen in the winter,” he said. “But we have to be prepared when opportunities are there or uncertain circumstances or surprises [arise], we have to be ready to act."

United also have several players whose contracts are set to expire next summer, and Ten Hag was asked whether the club could trigger the one-year options on the contracts of Victor Lindelof, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Hannibal and Anthony Martial.

"It's absolutely in our mindset," he replied. "We are discussing things and when we have news, we will bring it."

Meanwhile, sixth-place United face Bournemouth on Saturday, and a win will move Ten Hag's side up to 30 points, level with fourth-place Manchester City.