John Murtough makes Manchester United January transfer window admission as plans revealed

Manchester United are not expected to be 'particularly busy' in the January transfer window as they remain focused on well-sourced summer additions.

United have endured a disappointing start to their second campaign under Erik ten Hag, with 12 defeats leaving them seventh in the Premier League and eliminated from the Champions League. Injuries have ravaged the squad for much of the season, with top performers from last season dropping in terms of quality.

The Manchester Evening News understands that up to five players could be sold during January, all of whom had first-team influence over the past 12 months. But despite likely exits and poor form, a mid-season splurge is unlikely.

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"Looking ahead to the January transfer window, we are not expecting it to be particularly busy," chief operating officer Collette Roche told last week's Fans' Forum. "There will always be the possibility of deals around the edges of the squad, particularly in terms of finding opportunities for players who are not playing as much football as they would like.

"However, we’ve always been consistent in saying that we do not see January as the optimal time to do business and our recruitment strategy remains focused on summer windows. We’ve seen this season that Financial Fair Play rules have real teeth, so we have to be very careful to ensure that we remain compliant, and we will.

"But that means being really disciplined on spending going forward, with a balance between incomings and outgoings."

A lack of January investment will frustrate many supporters, who have seen their team endure one of their worst campaigns