Manchester United have given Sir Jim Ratcliffe a transfer window answer

Manchester United’s misfiring front line has finally showed glimpses of sparking into life.

The Reds have struggled for goals all season, netting just 18 in their first 18 league games. They improved that total by three in the midweek comeback win over Aston Villa.

Rasmus Hojlund broke his Premier League duck with the winner while Alejandro Garnacho took his top-flight season tally to three with a brace. The Argentina international saw another chalked off for offside while Marcus Rashford, the shoulder on which the team was carried last season when he plundered 30 goals in all competitions, showed glimpses of the form which has deserted him all term.

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It was a welcome fillip for manager Erik ten Hag as well as watching Ineos sporting chief Sir Dave Brailsford who is set to play a leading role at Old Trafford once Sir Jim Ratcliffe's 25 per cent investment is ratified by the Premier League. United will hope the off-field investment and on-field victory can prove the catalyst for a more successful second half of the season having flattered to deceive thus far.

The Reds could be bolstered by some January additions with the window only days away but exits are more likely than arrivals given the summer spending. And the victory over Villa will have gone some way to allying fears in attack.

A year ago United felt the need to sign Wout Weghorst on loan from Burnley. The Dutch striker was a stop-gap signing and while his work rate couldn’t be questioned, his goal return was limited to two cup strikes. The prospect of a similar move for a similar stop-gap next month wouldn’t fill many United fans with