02 February 2024 , 19:54
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Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag wanted to add a striker to the club's ranks on transfer deadline day, only for Financial Fair Play to scupper those plans.
United are light up front, with Anthony Martial remaining sidelined following groin surgery. The French frontman is not expected back until April, leaving Ten Hag with limited options as cover for first-choice striker Rasmus Hojlund.
Some 13 players left Old Trafford during the January window, some on loan and some permanently, with Jadon Sancho and Hannibal Mejbri among the departures. There wasn't money for that new striker, though, and Ten Hag has opened up on the challenge that leaves him with.
United aren't the only team paying particular attention to Financial Fair Play, with several top-flight teams making no permanent signings in January. In their case, though, it presents a challenge between now and May as they look to climb the table.
"It's not a secret that I wanted a striker extra," Ten Hag told reporters before his team's match against West Ham on Sunday. "Because with the injury of Martial, we don't really have back-up there, but it was not possible because we have to match the Financial Fair Play rules.
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"We have Omari (Forson), we have Amad Diallo, of course, we have Rashford who can play there. I think for the rest, all the positions are occupied. But, yeah, we have to be a little bit creative if it's up to the number nine position."
United's 28 league goals make them the lowest scorers in the top half of the Premier League. However, they scored four times at Wolves on Thursday to claim a dramatic last-gasp victory.
Will Manchester United regret not signing a striker? Have your say in the comments section
Anthony Martial's injury has left Manchester United light up front (PA)Summer signing Mason Mount might have been considered an option as part of a front three this term, but the England international has missed most of the campaign through injury. Ten Hag expects the former Chelsea man to return before the end of the season but confirmed he's not yet ready to return.
"I think he is struggling from the second game of the season," Ten Hag said. "And then he returns for a period and picked up another injury. So, of course, that's not great.
"Very frustrating for him and I really feel for him. So I want to be here for him. He had such expectations. I had high expectations, as I'm sure he is a very good player for us.
"First of all, what's now important is we have to do it very secure to get him fit and secure the process, step by step. Don't force it and then, hopefully, by the end of the season, he can stay fit and find himself in the team. At least, he can play a role in this team."