Manchester United 's chiefs are at odds with Erik ten Hag over their next moves in the transfer market, according to reports.
The Dutchman arrived this summer and spent over £200m on new arrivals as he sought to shape his squad at Old Trafford. United's sixth-place finish last term underlined the need to address several areas of the team, and Ten Hag quickly set about doing that.
New faces were added in defence, the centre of midfield and attack despite some difficulties in getting deals over the line. Two opening losses in the Premier League highlighted the need for more recruits, even if United have won their four games since. Ten Hag wants to continue reviving his squad at the earliest opportunity.
That would involve the Red Devils dipping into the market in January, but Owner Joel Glazer, chief executive Richard Arnold and football director John Murtough are all focused on next summer, reports The Athletic, which could cause some friction when it comes to their next move.
Ten Hag has already said: “We have many meetings - we have to improve the structures in and around the club and we will also look to the window in January or next summer already.”
Tyrell Malacia was the first signing of the new era, arriving from Feyenoord, with Christian Eriksen joining on a free transfer shortly after. Centre-half Lisandro Martinez then followed his manager from Ajax to the Red Devils, joining in a deal that could be worth over £50million, and has slotted into the heart of defence.
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Antony, whom Ajax maintained wasn't for sale, was the signing Ten Hag particularly pushed for and the Brazilian moved late in the window for a huge fee of £82m, which makes him the second-most expensive player in the club's history. A new right-back was also on the United boss' wish list. The form of Diogo Dalot has since lessened the need to find reinforcements in that area.
United have tended not to make major January additions, such is the difficulty at conducting mid-season recruitment. Bruno Fernandes ' arrival in 2020 was a rare example of them spending big in the New Year. Much may depend on where the team sit come 2023, with Ten Hag looking to break back into the top four and secure Champions League qualification.
United's spend over the last decade is well documented and serves to highlight how poorly the millions have been spent, with their last piece of silverware coming back in 2017 under Jose Mourinho.
