Man United will continue to back Erik ten Hag in the transfer market despite spending £220m ahead of this campaign… but director of football John Murtough rules out any signing in the January window
- Man United signed Antony, Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez, Christian Eriksen, Tyrell Malacia and Martin Dubravka in the summer, spending a record £220m in the process
- It was considerable support for Erik ten Hag as he refreshed his squad options
- Football director John Murtough has pledged further support to Ten Hag
- Murtough said United were “ahead of schedule” on recruitment.
- He ruled out United making any more signings during the January window
- It comes as United set a new Premier League record with a £384million payroll
Manchester United will continue to back manager Erik ten Hag in the transfer market after spending a club-record £220million this summer.
United’s director of football John Murtough promised more money for Ten Hag after the arrival of Antony, Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez, Christian Eriksen, Tyrell Malacia and Martin Dubravka.
However, Murtough warned that United are unlikely to make as many signings in a single transfer window going forward, having advanced ahead of schedule and will aim to get most of their business done in the summer rather than January.
Manchester United director of football John Murtough has given assurances that manager Erik ten Hag will be backed in the transfer market next summer after spending a record £220million this year
Casemiro (left) and Antony (right) were among a string of high-profile summer arrivals
“During the summer we invested heavily in the first-team squad, adding five permanent players, including a balanced mix of experienced international players and younger, up-and-coming talent,” he said.
“We’ve also seen a higher number of departures than usual and this was an equally important part of refreshing the squad after a disappointing 2021-22 season.
“We will continue to support Erik in ensuring he has players of the right quality and characters to thrive while ensuring investments are aligned with our commitment to financial sustainability.
Lisandro Martinez (right) was another summer acquisition for the Old Trafford club
Christian Eriksen’s free signing after leaving Brentford proved to be a very good buy
“Overall, we are ahead of schedule with our hiring plans as envisaged at the start of the summer and we do not expect the same level of activity in future windows. As always, our planning is focused on the summer window.”
Murtough believes Ten Hag has already justified the club’s decision to appoint him manager, adding: “After a thorough search and due diligence process, it was clear to us that Erik was the strongest candidate based on his outstanding coaching record and commitment to the proactive, attacking football we want to play and the vision and ambition he has shown for that role.
“There is still a long way to go but already in the first four months of his tenure we have seen greater unity, focus and momentum that bode well for the future.”
