John Murtough issues update on Manchester United January transfer window plans

Manchester United are expecting a quiet January transfer window and don't intend to repeat their record-breaking £225million spend from this summer in future windows.

United had a busy summer under new manager Erik ten Hag, signing six players in total, with five set for regular roles in the first-team squad.

Antony became the club's second most expensive signing in history when he joined from Ajax for £85.5million and Casemiro joined from Real Madrid for an initial £60million.

United also paid Ajax a potential £56million for Lisandro Martinez and signed Tyrell Malacia for £14.9million from Feyenoord. It was also a busy summer of departures with a host of senior players leaving on free transfers when their contracts expired at the end of June.

Ten Hag has been due to discuss recruitment plans with the club during this international break but football director John Murtough has cautioned against seeing that kind of level of investment again, insisting the club are ahead of schedule on their transfer plans.

"During the summer, we made a significant investment in the first-team squad with the permanent addition of five regular starters, including a balance of experienced international players and younger, emerging talent," said Murtough.

"We also saw a higher-than-usual number of departures, and this was an equally important part of refreshing the squad after the disappointing 2021/22 season. We will continue to support Erik in ensuring he has players with the right quality and character to achieve success while ensuring that investment remains consistent with our commitment to financial sustainability.

"Overall, we are ahead of schedule in our recruitment plans as envisaged at the start of the summer, and we do not anticipate the same level of activity in future windows. As always, our planning focuses on the summer window."

Speaking on an investors' call after United announced their latest financial results, Murtough said he was encouraged by the start under Ten Hag.

"Starting with the men’s first team, the most important development during the 2021/22 season was the appointment of Erik ten Hag as manager," he said.

"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, his commitment to the proactive, attacking football we want to play, and the vision and ambition he showed for the role.

"There is still a long way to go, but we have already seen, during his first four months in charge, an increased unity, focus and drive that bodes well for the future."