Erik ten Hag admits he wanted to sign a striker in January as he only has Rasmus Hojlund to call on until the summer… but FFP restrictions stopped Man United from bringing in cover

Erik ten Hag admits he wanted to sign a striker before the transfer deadline but Financial Fair Play restrictions meant Manchester United weren’t able to grant his wish.

Anthony Martial’s 10-week lay-off following groin surgery means United are down to one recognised striker in Rasmus Hojlund for the rest of the season.

Ten Hag knows United will have to be ‘creative’ with players like Marcus Rashford, Omari Forson and Amad Diallo to fill the gap, having accepted that his hands were tied by FFP.

‘It’s not a secret I wanted a striker,’ said Ten Hag. ‘With the injury to Martial we don’t really have the back-up. But it wasn’t possible because we have to match the FFP rules.

‘We have Omari, we have Amad Diallo. Of course, we have Rashford who can play there. But I think for the rest, all the positions are occupied. We have to be a little bit creative with the No 9 position.’

Anthony Martial’s (right) 10-week lay-off following groin surgery means United are down to one recognised striker in Rasmus Hojlund (left) for the rest of the season

United didn’t make a single signing in the January window despite offloading a number of players including Jadon Sancho, Donny van de Beek, Facundo Pellistri, Hannibal Mejbri and Dan Gore. Sergio Reguilon also went back to Tottenham following his loan.

‘There are some disadvantages with FFP,’ added Ten Hag. ‘To make space for FFP, you have to sell players and you have to sell good players and I don’t think that’s the way you build a team.’

At least United are getting a number of players back after injury. 

Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro and Luke Shaw started together in the Premier League at Wolves on Thursday night for the first time since August, while Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof, Tyrell Malacia and Mason Mount are on their way back.

Ten…