Erik ten Hag has revealed why Man United are not signing a striker on loan this month

Despite their thin front line, Erik ten Hag maintains that Manchester United have no intention of making a loan deal this month.

Due to groin surgery, Anthony Martial will not be available for United until April, leaving them with just five wingers and one striker in the squad.

After being eliminated from Europe before to Christmas, the club focused heavily on outgoings during the January transfer window in an effort to reduce both the squad and the wage bill.

Sergio Reguilon’s season-long loan was broken up by United by using the break clause. Donny van de Beek, Jadon Sancho and Hannibal Mejbri have all gone on loan. However, the club are still stuck with Martial, who was expected to leave the club this month.

United have been unable to make any squad additions this month due to Financial Fair Play regulations, despite having spent over £400 million in the previous two summer transfer windows. A number of clubs across the Premier League have failed to make big money signings this month because of FFP restrictions.

Although United insiders have been hesitant to categorically rule out a move for an arrival this month, they have emphasised that any move would need to be “exceptionally economical”.

ten Hag feels United needed an addition upfront in this transfer window but he knows that it is not possible.

He said: “I looked but there is no space. No space on FFP to do something about this lack of quantity in the striker position. Of course, we have Rashford, who can play as a striker, I think we also have some other alternatives creative.

“But it’s clear: Anthony is out for a couple of months. It’s a gap in our squad, clear.”