Where Manchester United stand with incomings and outgoings before transfer deadline day

What was shaping up to be a satisfying transfer window for Manchester United could end unsatisfyingly.

Though they have an upgrade in goal, Mason Mount has not settled in midfield and is injured while striker Rasmus Hojlund is still recovering from a back injury almost four weeks on from when United struck an agreement with Atalanta.

Erik ten Hag said in April United "need to strengthen the team and more positions, also the depth in the squad". The depth is so weak there are justifiable concerns among supporters over the prospect of loaning Facundo Pellistri.

Pellustri was pencilled in for a loan at the start of the year but things change. Fellow right winger Amad is nursing a knee injury and Antony has regressed. Pellistri would be a crowdpleasing starter against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

Also read: United planning for incoming and outgoings before transfer deadline

United have invested £406m on Ten Hag's watch but they are light in attack and in midfield. Ten Hag cannot be cut any slack, either. Every one of his permanent signings, bar Casemiro, is undeniably and entirely his.

And yet United could start with Anthony Martial up front against Forest on Saturday. "How long was Anthony Martial's contract?" Gary Neville asked during United's defeat to Tottenham "He has been here forever. It's like Groundhog Day."

Martial signed a contract in January 2019 for a maximum length of six-and-a-half years. Unless Martial belatedly makes good on United's starstruck investment, the one-year extension option in his contract has to remain dormant and Martial has to be released next year.

As far as more major incomings go, United sources say their hands are tied by the Premier League's profitability and sustainability rules.