Frustrating reason why Erik ten Hag was denied January transfer wish at Man Utd

Manchester United chiefs rejected Erik ten Hag’s pleas to sign a striker in the January transfer window, according to reports.

It is no secret that the Red Devils were eyeing a new frontman last month to bolster their attacking options. United’s frontline had been under fire for their return in the first half of the season.

Reports linked United with several options - including Stuttgart hitman Serhou Guirassy following his sensational start to the campaign. As it turned out, signing nobody proved a blessing in disguise as Rasmus Hojlund has come alive.

The Dane has bagged seven goals in six Premier League games to quash doubts about his £75million price tag. Hojlund is now one of the first names on the team sheet and his form has coincided with an upturn in fortunes for Ten Hag’s side.

Fresh reports suggest that the prospect of a new striker arriving last month was denied unless United shifted Anthony Martial. Ten Hag revealed at the beginning of January that the club would not be renewing the Frenchman’s deal this summer.

Having arrived as a teenager in 2015, Martial has failed to realise his potential at Old Trafford. On occasion, the 28-year-old has enjoyed rich veins of form but inconsistency proved his downfall.

Man United were open to selling Martial last month but he suffered a ground strain a week before the window slammed shut. He was ruled out for 10 weeks - meaning supporters might have witnessed his last game in a United shirt.

FFP/PSR constraints meant the Red Devils needed to offload a player before bringing anyone in during the winter window. Offloading Martial this summer - ending his nine-year association with United - will free up around £250,000 per wage on the balance sheet.