Transfer Centre

Erik ten Hag says Manchester United are ready to "strike" in transfer market

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 18 August 2023

Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag hints that the Red Devils could bring more players to the club before the end of the transfer window.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has said that his squad "is covered" but has refused to rule out the possibility of more new signings arriving before the end of the transfer window.

The Red Devils have brought Mason Mount, Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund to Old Trafford this summer, while the club are in talks with free agent Jonny Evans over a potential deal.

The 20-time English champions continue to be linked with Fiorentina's Sofyan Amrabat, with Ten Hag believed to be determined to sign a defensive midfielder before the September deadline.

Man United are not believed to have submitted an offer for Amrabat, though, with the club allegedly needing to make more sales before further boosting their squad.

Speaking ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur, Ten Hag insisted that he is happy with his squad as it stands, but the Dutchman said that the club are ready to "strike" in the market if the right opportunity arrives.

Fiorentina's Sofyan Amrabat looks dejected on June 7, 2023 © Reuters

"Our squad is covered. All the positions are covered. But yeah, of course we are Man United, we are always looking for improvement. When there's the opportunity, we will strike also in the last two weeks," Ten Hag told reporters when questioned on any potential further activity in the window.

"We [are] always looking for opportunities, but I think we have a good squad and with this squad, we are convinced that we can go for our targets."

Man United opened their 2023-24 Premier League campaign with a 1-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday, with Raphael Varane scoring the only goal of the match.

The 20-time English champions will now head to North London looking to make it back-to-back wins at the start of the new season against Tottenham.

Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood pictured in July 2021 © Reuters

Ten Hag was also asked about the club's statement on Mason Greenwood, with it being revealed that the Red Devils have concluded their investigation into the circumstances that led to his arrest in January 2022.

Man United are now preparing to make an announcement on the Englishman's future, but Ten Hag was not willing to discuss the situation during his press conference.

"We focus on way of play, we focus on team performance. It's about the players who are available. And so, we're focusing now on Tottenham Hotspur," he said.

"And every start of the season is difficult. We know that. We are really aware of it, so we had the start [against Wolves]. We know the performance was not what we hoped, but we want [to win] and it showed the character and the personality and that is one of the things we had to step up in, according to last season."

Lisandro Martinez is set to be available for the clash with Tottenham despite being forced off with a minor ankle issue at the interval of Monday's game with Wolves at Old Trafford.