Erik ten Hag "happy" with Manchester United squad ahead of winter market

Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag insisted that he is "happy" with his "current squad" when asked about possible January incomings on Friday afternoon.

The 20-time English champions have been knocked out of the EFL Cup and the Champions League already this season, while last place in Group A means that they will also not play in the Europa League this term.

The club are down in seventh position in the Premier League table, meanwhile, and there has been a host of speculation surrounding potential January incomings.

Man United have allegedly been looking at the striker market, with Rasmus Hojlund yet to register in the Premier League this season, and Anthony Martial seemingly set to depart next year.

However, the club's chief operating officer Collette Roche recently played down suggestions that the Red Devils would be busy during the winter transfer window.

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Ten Hag was asked about the upcoming market during his press conference to preview Saturday's Premier League clash with West Ham United at the London Stadium.

The Dutchman did not rule out incomings but said that the return of a number of players from injuries will mean that the squad will naturally be boosted next month.

"The current squad, I am happy. As we get our players back, we have a good squad. I think a lot of our... the way it went, the reasons behind... many players not available," he told reporters.

"When players are back - Casemiro will be back, [Lisandro] Martinez will be back, Mason Mount will be back - we will be much stronger after the window."

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Casemiro, Martinez and Mount are all on course to return in the middle of January, while Christian Eriksen and Amad Diallo have both been back in training of late.

Harry Maguire - currently out with a groin problem - is also expected back in early 2024, while Victor Lindelof will only be missing for another couple of weeks despite having an operation.

Tyrell Malacia is also in the latter stages of his recovery from a knee injury, with Man United expected to see a number of players currently sidelined return to action in the first month of the new year.

Bruno Fernandes is back in the squad for Saturday's clash with West Ham after missing the goalless draw at Liverpool last weekend through suspension.

However, Diogo Dalot will sit the game out following his late red card at Anfield, while Ten Hag has said that late checks will need to be made on some players who are struggling with illnesses.