Manchester United’s pursuit of a much needed striker was halted by their uncertain finances despite Ruben Amorim’s public appeal. The Red Devils made two signings in the January transfer window - defenders Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven arriving from Lecce and Arsenal respectively. But what they really needed was a new forward. Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have just five goals between them this term despite costing a combined £108m. Only four Premier League sides have scored fewer than United this season.

But despite the need for a new forward, a January deal was put on pause from those above head coach Amorim. United chiefs were happy with their business in the window and were forced to take a financially disciplined approach to incomings and outgoings. The hierarchy were not prepared to take expensive risks, paying high loan fees for unproven young players with no buy option, as Bayern Munich would have demanded for Mathys Tel. United believe such prudence has given them broader scope for the summer window, where there are better options available for players who fit Amorim’s long-term plan.

United believe they undertook two significant pieces of business in sending Marcus Rashford and Antony out on loan, with the majority of their wages covered by Aston Villa and Real Betis respectively. With United working within very tight financial constraints, against the backdrop of profit and sustainability (PSR) limits, the hierarchy felt that all of the changes made at the club - as part of an overall long-term approach to reduce costs and make the business more sustainable - would have been compromised by entering into expensive, short-term deals.

United’s stance on a forward comes just days after Amorim publicly expressed his desire for attacking signings - but noted that winter was not an opportune time for quality additions. He said: "It’s a problem for the team, we speak about that all the time and we need to improve our performance in every aspect, especially scoring goals. What verdict would you give Man United's January transfer window? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

"We are trying everything to improve the team without doing mistakes of the past. And trying to balance the urgency of the moment. We know all of the aspects of our club in the moment but we are trying everything. There is one more day, let’s wait until the window closes. "We have to improve as a team to score goals and we are trying the best to improve the team. This market is really hard on the clubs. To make some deals here, it’s hard.

"Then you have the urgency, sometimes when you are in the moments you make mistakes. We are trying everything, guys, we want so bad to improve, I want so bad to improve the team. I know what the team needs. But sometimes it’s possible or not, but we are trying everything.". Join our new WhatsApp communityand receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.