Erik ten Hag battling the Glazer family to release funds for three more January transfer

Erik ten Hag has urged Manchester United’s board of directors to release additional funds for him to strengthen the squad during the January transfer window.

The Dutchman spent around £220 million on players such as Lisandro Martinez, Antony, and Casemiro over the summer.

United had planned to spend around £130 million, but Ten Hag was able to persuade the Glazers to release more funds after the club was defeated by Brighton and Brentford in their first two games of the season.

Following those defeats, the Glazers released an additional £90 million in funds to sign Antony from Ajax, as well as fund Casemiro’s contract demand.

But, though Ten Hag appreciated the club’s decision to back him in the market, the Dutchman does not want to wait until next summer to continue his overhaul of the squad.

If funds were unlimited, Ten Hag would have opted to sign a center-forward and a right-back in the window but he felt he had to prioritize his targets.

That’s why the former Ajax manager opted to sign Antony, as well as being impressed by the form of Diogo Dalot.

United’s game against Leeds was postponed on Sunday following the death of Queen Elizabeth and the side has a two-week break before their next fixture – against Manchester City – because of the international break.

Ten Hag confirmed after United’s win against Sheriff that he will use the break to start looking ahead to the January transfer window.

‘It’s very useful,’ said Ten Hag, when he was asked about the time off.

We have a lot of meetings, and we need to improve the structures inside and outside the club.

‘By making plans, we will also look to the window in January or next summer to improve our way of playing.’ Of course, these periods occur after a game, but we must be prepared for them, and many players, let’s say 90%, are away.

‘But for the others, we will train properly, and for the rest, we must prepare thoroughly.’ I’m hoping that everyone stays fit and healthy until we can launch an attack.’