Man Utd suffer transfer setback ahead of January

Manchester United have suffered a setback ahead of the January transfer window, according to Manchester Evening News.

The Red Devils spent more than £170 million on signings during the summer, but they were unable to recoup much of those funds.

As a result, they have been hampered further by Financial Fair Play and won't be able to spend in January without player sales.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is currently in talks over a 25 per cent minority stake at United, but an agreement may not be reached before January.

The British billionaire will be handed control over sporting matters by the Glazers, but he may not have any impact this winter.

With the club's tight financial situation, the club may have to wait until the summer before making more big-money purchases.

The news is a blow for manager Erik ten Hag, who is said to be eyeing a marquee centre-back at the halfway stage of the season.

Harry Maguire is currently the most sellable asset within the squad, but he has no desire to move on until the end of the campaign.