Boss desperately needs a goalscorer but money's too tight to mention

MONEY is so tight at United when Erik ten Hag wanted to revert to overnight stays at a nearby hotel before home games last season, he was informed the money was not there.

- SAMUEL LUCKHURST

United restored a players' lounge at Old Trafford at the start of last season at Ten Hag's request. That no imagery of the pre-match hub has ever been published tells its own story.

Ten Hag ended United's seasonal stays at The Lowry Hotel in 2022 but he felt he could exert greater control and foster better team-bonding back at the city centre hotel, with the Hyatt Regency a possible alternative - Ten Hag was overruled.

So the prospect of United spending in the January transfer window is currently remote. They have a 28-man squad and are doubled up in every position. Triple in some.

United have six senior centre-backs on their books and Leny Yoro has still not had a competitive kick.

If Ruben Amorim is to have any backing in the mid-season market, United have to sell to buy. Or loan.

No club worth their salt is going to part with cash for Antony (one start all season against League One Barnsley) or Joshua Zirkzee (one goal in 18 games). United could not even obtain a decent fee from a Saudi Pro League club when AI Nassr took Alex Telles off their hands.

Senior figures at United privately feel Zirkzee is a lost cause. United will need a proven goalscorer next year and someone has to make way.

There is that scene in Moneyball where Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill discuss cutting a player.