Louis van Gaal is not planning to s

Louis van Gaal is not planning to strengthen his Manchester United squad in January unless a key target becomes available, with the manager focusing instead on next summer.

Despite the faltering season so far and the ongoing injuries to Van Gaal’s squad, particularly in defence, the manager and United executives believe acquiring high-quality players is a more realistic proposition in the close season rather than in the winter window, when many clubs remain in Champions League or Europa League competition.

United’s current tally of 13 points is half that of the leaders Chelsea, leaving the 20-times champions in 10th place. So, with a fourth-place finish and a return to Champions League football the minimum requirement of Van Gaal, the transfer strategy may raise questions.

As reported in the Guardian in September, the club have made a sizeable warchest available to Van Gaal should be wish to move in January – but the 63-year-old is encouraged by the progress of the squad as it stands, so any recruitment after Christmas is now being viewed as an exception.