Erik ten Hag defends Manchester United January transfer strategy

Erik ten Hag has defended Manchester United's short-term approach to January transfers and said he would consider looking for loan moves again this month if the right opportunity came up.

A year ago United signed Jack Butland on loan as a back-up goalkeeper and also completed temporary deals for Marcel Sabitzer and Wout Weghorst, two moves that Ten Hag described as "very good loans". Sabizter's influence was cut short by injury but Weghorst scored just two goals in 31 games.

United's issues with meeting FFP rules mean they can only shop in the loan market again this January and they have been linked with another move for a forward, with Anthony Martial still absent at the moment.

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But the win over Wigan in the FA Cup on Monday saw Ten Hag name 12 academy graduates in a 21-man squad and Kobbie Mainoo has been the latest player off the production line to break into the first team, becoming a key member of the side this season, having initially had his progress delayed following an ankle injury in pre-season.

That victory has led to calls for Ten Hag to make use of those young players instead, but he admits every option will be considered this month as he weighs up his options between now and deadline day on January 31.

“So you always have to consider such choices. They are, again, two very good loans; (Marcel) Sabitzer and Wout Weghorst really contributed to our success last year," he said.

“When such opportunities come up, we have to take them. At the same time, you have to analyse what we have on board, what is coming up.

“For instance, I already counted on Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie