Erik ten Hag’s reluctance to reveal Manchester United’s plans for further signings in the current transfer window indicates that the club’s decision-making and transfer strategy are being kept confidential.
While significant arrivals and departures have occurred during the window, the manager’s comments suggest that additional moves could still be in the works.
The signings of Mason Mount, Jonny Evans, Andre Onana, and Rasmus Hojlund, along with the departures of several players, indicate that Manchester United have been active in reshaping their squad.
The potential departures of Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay, along with the reported interest from West Ham, could suggest further changes are on the horizon.
The club’s decision to reject a reported £30 million bid for Maguire from West Ham indicates that Manchester United values the player highly and is unwilling to let him go at that price.
This suggests that they are committed to maintaining the quality and depth of their squad.
Overall, ten Hag’s cautious response reflects the nature of transfer negotiations and the club’s desire to carefully consider their options before making any further moves in the transfer market.
In fact, the Reds rejected a separate bid of £30 million from West Ham for academy product McTominay, with David Moyes looking to strengthen ahead of their Premier League opener against Bournemouth.
Since that news emerged, Erik ten Hag was asked if new players will be coming in as a result of possible departures.
But in the recent interview withSky Sports, Ten Hag joked with reporter Melissa Reddy about asking the same question about transfers.
“Melissa you keep trying heh?” he grinned. “I’m happy with the squad. I want a strong squad. I want competition.”
You can watch the full interaction below.
🎙️ “I want a strong squad”
Erik ten Hag on Manchester United’s transfer window 🔴👀 pic.twitter.com/bSytknOZ1m
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 8, 2023
Sky Sports reporter Reddy also dropped the following update on Harry Maguire’s future amid interest.
“West Ham are trying to do a double raid on Manchester United,” she said. “There’s a lot more optimism on their end of getting a deal for Harry Maguire over the line because their £30 million bid for the defender is still under consideration by Manchester United.
“That club had valued him at around £40 million but a compromise in the region of £35 million could see a transfer happen. So West Ham and United are not so far off in terms of price points for Maguire.
“Erik ten Hag has made it clear he is happy to keep Maguire in the squad as part of his centre-back options, but the club do not want to be obstructive to him getting more minutes elsewhere.
“So talks ongoing with West Ham. That is close. In terms of add ons you can see the compromise of £35 million be easily reached.”