Ruben Amorim’s first transfer window in charge of Manchester United has come to an end and his squad is seemingly no better than the one he inherited.
Goalscoring has been a persistent problem this season for a United side which sits just 13th in the Premier League as the January window shuts.
They have scored just 28 goals in 24 Premier League matches this season to a per 90 average of 1.17 – only Leicester, Ipswich, Southampton and Everton average less.
But United end the window with fewer attacking options than they began with.
Antony and Marcus Rashford have departed while only two defenders – Denmark international Patrick Dorgu and Arsenal prospect Ayden Heaven – have arrived.
So why wasn’t an attacker brought in?
Links to Randal Kolo Muani, Christopher Nkunku, Mathys Tel and Leon Bailey, as well as many more, signal United are aware of their need for reinforcements up front.
So why didn’t United make any attacking signings?
“United were not prepared to be reckless or take expensive risks in a window known to be difficult to do business in,” explained Sky Sports’ Melissa Reddy.
“The club will now have more scope to spend in the summer when they feel there are better opportunities to sign players that fit into their long-term plans.
“United are understood to be working within very tight financial constraints and PSR limits.
“The club were unwilling to make signings they felt could sacrifice their long-term approach with expensive, short-term deals.
“United want to maintain financial discipline as they make widespread changes around the club and continue to examine options to reduce costs and raise revenues.
“They believe this will create more money to invest into the team.”
Which means United will just have to muddle on for the rest of the season with fewer attacking options than they had a month ago.
So is the squad weaker now than at the start of January?
“Marcus Rashford wasn’t playing anyway,” argued Sky Sports’ Gary Neville. “They needed a left-back as they don’t have any balance on that side of the pitch. Amorim knew there wasn’t a pot of money there when taking the job and everyone knew United’s financial position. They’ll get to the summer and then reinvest.”
But the summer is a long way away and United are struggling.
“I thought the team would do better when Amorim came in,” added Neville. “The change of system and a different voice with his enthusiasm would help but it in fact it’s got a lot worse.”
Some long months at Old Trafford may still await.
