Man United can’t sign striker in January due to FFP Ten Hag

Erik ten Hag has revealed that Manchester United could not sign a striker in the January transfer window due to Financial Fair Play (FFP) concerns.

Ten Hag are left with Rasmus Højlund as their only recognized striker after Anthony Martial was ruled out for 10 weeks following groin surgery.

– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (US)

The Dutch coach said he was considering signing another striker this month, but a new addition to the squad would not be possible.

“I looked but there is no room,” Ten Hag said at a press conference on Friday.

“No room on FFP to do something about this lack of quantity at the attacking position. Of course, [Marcus] Rashford can play as a striker and we have other creative alternatives. It's clear Anthony [Martial] has been absent for a few months and it's a gap in our team.”

Meanwhile, Ten Hag have confirmed that goalkeeper Altay Bayindir will make his debut in Sunday's FA Cup match against Newport County.

Bayindir has not played since his summer move from Fenerbahce, but will finally get a game alongside Andre Onana on international duty with Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Onana was knocked out in Cameroon's 3-2 win over Gambia, but will remain with the team after qualifying for the round of 16 by finishing second in Group C behind Senegal.

“He [Bayindir] will be in goal [against Newport]”, said Ten Hag. “He is waiting for his chance but he is experienced, he played in a big club in Turkey under a lot of pressure and he knows how to deal with it.

“We were convinced, so we are looking forward to Sunday. Altai is waiting for this moment and this is its moment.”