United restored a players' lounge at Old Trafford at the start of last season at Ten Hag's request. That no imagery of the pre-match hub has ever been published tells its own story.
Ten Hag ended United's seasonal stays at The Lowry Hotel in 2022 but he felt he could exert greater control and foster better team-bonding back at the city centre hotel, with the Hyatt Regency a possible alternative - Ten Hag was overruled.
So the prospect of United spending in the January transfer window is currently remote. They have a 28-man squad and are doubled up in every position. Triple in some.
United have six senior centre-backs on their books and Leny Yoro has still not had a competitive kick.
If Ruben Amorim is to have any backing in the mid-season market, United have to sell to buy. Or loan.
No club worth their salt is going to part with cash for Antony (one start all season against League One Barnsley) or Joshua Zirkzee (one goal in 18 games). United could not even obtain a decent fee from a Saudi Pro League club when AI Nassr took Alex Telles off their hands.
Senior figures at United privately feel Zirkzee is a lost cause. United will need a proven goalscorer next year and someone has to make way.
There is that scene in Moneyball where Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill discuss cutting a player.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Ed sorry after less than perfect interruption
ED Sheeran has apologised to Ruben Amorim after interrupting the United manager's post-match interview with Sky Sports on Sunday.
ROTATION WILL BE KEY FOR RU
RUBEN Amorim feels rotation over the next month will help speed up the process of United's players becoming accustomed to his style of football.
Boss desperately needs a goalscorer but money's too tight to mention
MONEY is so tight at United when Erik ten Hag wanted to revert to overnight stays at a nearby hotel before home games last season, he was informed the money was not there.
Salah shuts down talk of City slump
LIVERPOOL'S Mohamed Salah has dismissed City's recent slump, admitting that the Premier League champions are poised for a comeback.
INJURY WHY KDB SHELVED TALKS OVER NEW DEAL
KEVIN De Bruyne shelved contract talks after two months of injury pain at City.
'I'm not going to change. We are big believers in the process'
Guardiola doubles down on City's direction ahead of huge week for club
Salford Red Devils granted advance to keep club afloat
SALFORD have confirmed they have been given an advance on the club's 2025 central funding.
"It's my duty, my responsibility to find a way to be more consistent'
PEP Guardiola admits the buck stops with him as City bid to arrest their dramatic slump in form.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT COPD
CAMILLA FOSTER ASKS THE EXPERTS ABOUT CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE
Bestselling novelist Barbara Taylor Bradford dies at 91
BESTSELLING novelist Barbara Taylor Bradford, who wrote A Woman Of Substance, has died at the age of 91, it has been announced.
