Manchester United unlikely to make January signings

Manchester United are understood to have no plans of pursuing new players when the transfer window reopens in a couple of months' time.

United boss Jose Mourinho was left frustrated during the backend of the summer transfer window after executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward failed to meet his requirements of a new central defender.

The Red Devils have since gone through a tough run in the Premier League where they have conceded nearly two goals per game and this has spread the speculation in recent weeks that they could go on a winter spending spree.

However, according to The Independent, Mourinho has yet to discuss his winter plans with Ed Woodward and the board likewise remain reluctant to back the Portuguese in the transfer market.

Over the past two seasons, Mourinho has recruited the likes of Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof to bolster the central defence but neither have impressed extensively when called up to the starting lineup.

Meanwhile, the hierarchy are also concerned with the manager's handling of summer signing Fred, who has dropped down the pecking order this term following the £52m fee spent to lure him from Shakhtar Donetsk.

Manchester United suffered their fourth defeat of the Premier League season over the weekend against Manchester City and this sees them already 12 points off the top of the summit.