Man United fail to meet Erik ten Hag’s transfer aim – Boss hits stumbling block now

Manchester United’s final few days of the summer transfer season are shaping up to be very exciting.

Erik ten Hag’s team spent heavily at the start of the window, spending more than £150 million on Mason Mount, Andre Onana, and Rasmus Hojlund. However, the overwhelming feeling among fans and experts is that more signings are needed if the Red Devils are to mount a title challenge this season.

Having said that, getting more people through the Old Trafford door by Friday’s deadline may be especially challenging for one reason. There are no outgoings. Simply put, United have not produced as much revenue in terms of sales as those at the top of the club hierarchy expected going into the window.

As a result, in addition to their spend at the start of the summer, United is operating under stringent budgetary limits as a result of UEFA’s new budgetary Sustainability guidelines. Several significant names among the current crop of Red Devils stars appeared destined to depart earlier in the window.

Harry Maguire lost his starting spot some time ago, and when he also lost his job as club captain, the writing was on the wall. Nonetheless, after a failed transfer to West Ham, the England international looks certain to stay at the club beyond this summer.

The Hammers made a 30-million-pound bid for Maguire’s signing, which United quickly accepted. When it came to negotiating personal terms, Maguire chose to turn down attention from David Moyes’ guys.

West Ham and Everton have both expressed interest in signing Scott McTominay, but neither club has made a serious drive to get the Scotsman. Donny van de Beek has been on the outskirts of Manchester United’s first-team fold, unable to receive much of a look in while also failing to draw much solid interest elsewhere.

In the midst of all the financial woe and gloom, United have been given some solace by the news that back-up goalkeeper Dean Henderson is on the cusp of a £15 million move to Crystal Palace, which may increase to £20 million if add-ons are activated.

Anthony Martial might still be a selling commodity for Manchester United, with three clubs interested in signing the Frenchman. Having said that, his departure would leave the club weak in attack, but if Ten Hag wants to sign the likes of Marc Cucurella and Sofyan Amrabat, as rumours suggest, he may have to cash in on Martial as soon as possible.