FRUSTRATING FORWARD PLIGHT

Ten Hag wanted a new striker in January but said hands were tied by spending rules

- NEW JOYLEY

ERIK TEN HAG failed to land a striker in January - and blamed Financial Fair Play.

The Manchester United chief said he could not add firepower while staying within the rules.

The Dutchman had said that to add an extra body to his squad, he first needed to off-load.

That proved beyond United and Ten Hag said he would now need to "be creative" as he chased solutions. He said: "I think it's not a secret that I wanted an extra striker because, with the injury to Anthony Martial, we don't have back-up there.

"It was not possible because we have to match the FFP rules.

"We have Omari Forson, we have Amad Diallo, and of course we have Marcus Rashford who can play there.

"The rest of the positions are occupied but we have to be a little bit creative in the No.9 position.