Man Utd's January transfer war chest revealed

Suraj Radia
Suraj Radia
  • 15 Sept 2022 18:19 BST
  • 3 min read
Erik ten Hag on the Man Utd touchline.
© ProShots

Manchester United spent more than £200 million in the summer but Erik ten Hag could spend even more in January, with the club willing to back their manager even further.

United splashed £85m on Antony from Ajax as well as £63m on Casemiro, £52m on Lisandro Martinez and £13.5m on Tyrell Malacia, with Christian Eriksen joining on a free.

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And a new report suggests that United are willing to continue their spending by handing Ten Hag a budget of £70m for January, a number which could be further increased should Cristiano Ronaldo leave the club.

Ronaldo failed to secure an exit from United over the summer and has largely featured off the bench this season, meaning the club could allow him to leave in order to get his reported £450,000-a-week wages off the books.

It is believed that Ten Hag has already held initial talks with United chiefs over future transfer plans and that he will be allowed to strengthen if the right player becomes available following the World Cup.

Ten Hag is thought to want at least another three first-team players as he looks to transform United back into top level competitors.

United looking to build on momentum

Tensions have calmed at United after a disastrous start to the season which saw the club lose their opening two games of the season, leaving them bottom of the Premier League for the first time in 30 years.

United have won their last four league games to take them to fifth and just three points off the top of the table, revitalising the mood around the club after a rollercoaster summer.

The Red Devils are hoping to build on the positive momentum and bring in more players, with a striker likely to be near the top of the list, particularly if Ronaldo departs.

Specific targets may not be revealed until closer to the window but reports have suggested Frankie de Jong could be one player pursued by United once again.

The midfielder rejected a move to Old Trafford despite a £70m fee being agreed but he has often found himself on the bench for Barcelona this season and could be more receptive to an approach.

Jurrien Timber is another player who is admired by United, with Ten Hag managing the defender at Ajax, and the Dutchman was reluctant to leave prior to the World Cup, meaning a January move may be an option.

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