29 January 2024 , 03:00
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Manchester United's focus throughout the month of January has been on getting players off their books.
Jadon Sancho has been their most high-profile exit with the likes of Donny van de Beek also following him out the door, both on loan. Erik ten Hag is keen to see players come through the door, but there is a lack of funds following their summer spending.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is now in the building and has begun making his influence known, but he's not yet ruled on any transfers. There are obvious holes in their squad at the Old Trafford, but it is likely that they will have to wait until the summer, when plenty of changes could occur.
Here's the latest from Manchester.
De Gea's route back in
David de Gea is poised to make his long-awaited comeback to football with a switch to Saudi Arabia.
Marcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dash
The Spaniard left United in June after spending 12 years as the club’s number one keeper. He's been linked with a host of teams, including Newcastle United as they look to fill the void left by the injured Nick Pope. Now The Daily Mail reports that he is in negotiations with Saudi Pro League side Al-Shabab.
De Gea will reportedly be a part of a major recruitment drive by Saudi side, who will be able to match the goalkeeper's wage demands. They also want to land experienced Sevilla midfielder Ivan Rakitic, Newcastle winger Miguel Almiron and Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech, who is currently on loan at Galatasaray.
David de Gea could return to football in Saudi Arabia (Getty Images)Ten Hag coy on contract extension
Ten Hag has refused to admit whether or he has spoken to Sir Jim Ratcliffe about extending his contract in Manchester.
The Dutchman has struggled in his second season at the club which has cast doubt over his future in the dugout, especially after there was a change in the club's structure. Sir Jim Ratcliffe is in to lead the club's football operations and he already bought in Omar Berrada as their chief executive.
Ten Hag insists initial talks with Ratcliffe and his INEOS group have been productive. But when asked whether a timetable has been laid down to discuss out a contract extension, the United boss said: “We speak about many subjects but I can’t go into detail, especially when it is so personal."
Rashford in hot water
Ten Hag claimed Marcus Rashford's absence from the squad for United's FA Cup win at Newport County was an "internal matter".
The Dutchman continued to be quizzed on the forward, who was seen entering Thompsons Garage nightclub in Belfast on Thursday night. He also failed to report for training on Friday, stating he was ill despite his antics the night before.
After being pressed on the reasons for leaving out Rashford, who has failed to fire for much of the season, Ten Hag refused to go into the details. He simply told the BBC : "Let's say it's an internal matter. I will deal with it." He continued to reiterate those words when questioned further.