Man Utd start scouting mission to hijack Chelsea swoop for Rafael Leao

But his reluctance to put pen to paper indicates Leao is angling for a move away and United appear keen to monitor his situation. A move in the January window has been ruled out though with Ten Hag supposedly ‘being told money will be at a premium’ in the mid-season transfer market.

Anthony Martial and Cristiano Ronaldo are Ten Hag’s current attacking options through the middle, but the Frenchman has struggled with injuries to start the new season. Ronaldo has also been short of his usual goalscoring prowess, seemingly prompting Ten Hag to look at alternatives in the market.

Martial’s latest injury isn’t expected to rule him out for long with Ten Hang hinting the forward could be in contention to return against Newcastle on Sunday.