Erik ten Hag hints at Manchester United deadline-day drama, stating club will "stay alert" to opportunities

Erik ten Hag has provided an update on Manchester United’s transfer dealings, stating that the club will “stay alert” on deadline day, despite branding any more signings unlikely after Martin Dubravka.

The window slams shut hours after United’s game against Leicester City on Thursday, with the Reds having completed a whole host of business already.

So far this summer, United have blitzed their previous spending record in one summer which previously stood around the £150 million mark.

The incomings of Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen, Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro, Antony and the anticipated arrival of Martin Dubravka is set to take United’s spending to £221 million.

Though no move for Dubravka has been formally announced yet, Ten Hag did speak regarding the 33-year-old goalkeeper.

When asked whether the Slovakia international would be the last signing of United’s window, Ten Hag replied: “I think so, for this window, that will be the end.”

Martin Dubravka of Newcastle United. (Alamy)

However, he also hinted that there yet could be deadline day drama at the club, saying: “But when there is great opportunity you have to always be alert as a top club.”

Dubravka’s move is expected to be a loan deal with United paying Newcastle a fee of around £5 million.

Latest signing Antony was announced by both clubs United and Ajax earlier this week, though the completion of a deal is subject to a medical, personal terms and international clearance.

When asked what Antony will bring to the side, Ten Hag joked: “First we have to sign him. 

“There is an agreement between the clubs, but the paperwork is not done so I cannot go too deep in the factor,” said Ten Hag.

United have splashed around £85 million on Antony, making the Brazil international the club’s second most expensive signing after Paul Pogba.

However, Ten Hag feels attacking incomings was, and still are needed. 

He said: “[In our] offensive department, still we need to strengthen our squad because we have many games to cover. From now on, we go into three games a week, every three or four days.”

The 52-year-old’s comments came after he had confirmed striker Anthony Martial will miss the clash against Leicester as he is still suffering with an Achilles injury. 

Martial also missed last Saturday’s trip to Southampton with the same issue; one that he picked up in training just days after an impressive second half cameo in United’s win at Old Trafford against Liverpool.

The Frenchman’s injury could pave the way for Cristiano Ronaldo to return to the line-up, with Ten Hag expecting the Portugal international to stay at the club this summer.

Ronaldo has been linked with a move away for several weeks however, when asked on whether Aaron Wan-Bissaka would leave in the current window, Ten Hag said: “Aaron will stay. This squad, we will go from September to minimum January. We will play with this squad this season,” almost certainly ruling out any potential move away for Ronaldo.

As for Wan-Bissaka, the right-back had attracted interest from Premier League clubs West Ham United and his former club Crystal Palace however, no move materialised with United unable to find a replacement so late in the window.

The 24-year-old has not started any of United’s games this season, with Ten Hag seemingly favouring Diogo Dalot for his more natural quality on the ball.