MANCHESTER UNITED’S transfer plans for January have been left in tatters, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe restricted to just a handful of loan deals.
The British billionaire has completed his 25 per cent minority takeover at Old Trafford.
And the winter window is now open for business, with United fans dreaming of some mega signings.
But they are set to be disappointed as the club tightens its pursestrings after a summer of spending.
United splashed tens of millions on stars like Mason Mount, Rasmus Hojlund and Andre Onana.
And despite having a new man in charge of their football operations, The Athletic claims United are now set for a period of austerity due to spending regulations.
It means the Red Devils are unable to make any permanent signings unless they can first shift players currently on the books.
There’s interest in big earners like Raphael Varane and Getafe loanee Mason Greenwood.
And should they pocked some much-needed cash, United could use it to fund a move for free-scoring Stuttgart forward Serhou Guirassy.
But a loan deal for a new attacker is much more likely, with the club instead aiming their sights at ex-Stoke flop Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and former Chelsea dud Timo Werner.
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The latter is free to leave RB Leipzig after netting just twice this season.
And a loan could be on the cards as Werner is also able to provide cover on the flanks.
Choupo-Moting is another option after enjoying a resurgent spell at Bayern Munich.
It’s also reckoned United are eyeing teammate Thomas Muller.
But the World Cup winner is now set to sign a new deal, making a move difficult.
Whoever United sign will be expected to make an impact in the final third.
Erik ten Hag’s men have netted just 22 goals in 20 league games this term, leaving them seventh in the table and 14 points from top.
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