Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag with Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou (left) (picture: EPA)
Paul Ince says there is ‘no point’ Manchester United making signings in the current transfer window and should save their money for the summer.
The Old Trafford legend, whose old club are eighth in the Premier League, 11 points off the top four under Erik ten Hag, are yet to add to their squad a week before the deadline.
United have work to do to salvage their season but with Sir Jim Ratcliffe in the process of taking over football operations as a minority stakeholder, it may not be the ideal time to renovate the squad.
Asked if they need to invest now, former United captain Ince replied: ‘I’m not sure they do. I look at it and think, “They’re not going to win the title, there’s the FA Cup but they’re out of the Champions League and League Cup so what would be the point?”.
‘I understand if United were five points off the top two or in a Champions League spot but I think you’re better off saving your money and doing it next season. I don’t see United doing business in January.’
Ince admits while revitalising the side has proved beyond high-profile managers such as Jose Mourinho, Louis van Gaal and currently Ten Hag, it is poor signings which have been the main issue.
‘It’s become a bit of a poisoned chalice. How can Man United be a poisoned chalice? It’s the best job in the world,’ said Ince, 56.
Former Manchester United star Paul Ince says his old club will be waiting for up to three years to mount a title challenge (Picture: Getty Images)
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‘The most important thing is recruitment and United haven’t brought in the right players for the money spent. United have always had issues in midfield and with a goalscorer and the players that have come in haven’t performed on a consistent basis.’
Ince questions why the team still lacks identity 18 months into Ten Hag’s reign.
He added: ‘You know the way Everton play, the way Tottenham play. I’m not sure why United haven’t got that identity.
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‘The manager has come from Ajax, where they play a certain way all the time. I don’t see that with United.
‘Ange Postecoglou goes into Spurs and within a month you can see the way they’re playing. Eighteen months down the line, we’re asking, “How do we play?”.’
‘I’m thinking, “When can we challenge for the title?” and it’s probably two or three years away. I shouldn’t be saying that about United.’
Paul Ince was speaking to Metro on behalf of instantcasino.com
Ratcliffe and Co urged to wait until the summer.