Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag said the Premier League club need reinforcements up top to remain competitive on all fronts, but added that any signing in January would only be completed if the terms match their “sporting and financial criteria”.

United will be looking to plug the gap left by Cristiano Ronaldo. British media reported that United were chasing Dutch forward Cody Gakpo, before Liverpool sealed the deal.

When asked if he would be okay with United failing to sign a forward during the January window, Ten Hag told reporters, “we have the players who are matching our criteria. But with all the games that are coming, it is tough competition in all the leagues.

“If you want to also be in all the leagues and keep playing in all the leagues by winning games and Cups as well, you need players, you need numbers to cover,” Ten Hag added, speaking before Saturday’s league game at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

“So, we need quality players to cover that and also that you need competition.”

Today’s matches

⚫ Wolves vs Man United

⚫ Man City vs Everton

⚫ Fulham vs Southampton

⚫ Bournemouth vs Palace

⚫ Newcastle vs Leeds

⚫ Brighton vs Arsenal