Manchester United board hands Erik ten Hag his first blow as transfer window planning commences

Manchester United's board have handed Erik ten Hag a reason as to why he may not be able to sign any significant players during the January transfer window.

Erik ten Hag has already explained that he will be meeting with others in the club with regards to planning the upcoming transfer window.

“We will have many meetings," he told MUTV when questioned on his international break plans after last Thursday's Europa League win.

"We have to improve the structures in and around the club. We will also look to the window in January or next summer already.

"But, also to improve our way of play by making plans.”

There were two players who were linked quite prominently during the summer, in Cody Gakpo and Frenkie de Jong, and there is no doubt that their names will pop up again as the transfer window opens once again.

Erik ten Hag. (Alamy)

However, Erik ten Hag has been dealt a blow as to how active the club will be in the market, with Laurie Whitwell of the Athletic revealing funds are expected to be "very tight" for the winter window.

Joel Glazer, Richard Arnold and John Murtough are reportedly "focused firmly" on the 2023 summer transfer window as the next opportunity be able to add significantly to the Manchester United squad.

Erik ten Hag is focused on signing a right-back and striker in the future, as was evident by United's activity in the closing days of the 2022 summer window.

United were looking to sign a right-back should Aaron Wan-Bissaka leave the club, however no bids came in for the Englishman until too late and the Dutchman ultimately decided to keep the player.

In the final days of the window, Manchester United confirmed the £85 million signing of Antony from Ajax, and the Athletic has explained that It was Erik ten Hag’s decision to go all out for Antony, rather than bring in a right-back, which would have been targeted if the money was available.

"There’s coming a period where every third day: a game. We have to get ready for that," Ten Hag added on Thursday.

"Ninety percent of the players are away (on international duty) — the others will train proper. We have to prepare. I hope everyone stays fit, returns healthy and then we attack."

Manchester United will take on Manchester City in the Manchester derby once the international break is over.