Moyes to get transfer funds to bolster squad

LONDON. – The Glazer family will hand David Moyes substantial transfer funds in January if the Manchester United manager identifies targets to bolster his under-performing squad.
United’s American owners are aware of the difficulties of recruiting players in the winter transfer window but have made it clear to Moyes that he will be backed if he finds the right players.

The failure to recruit key targets in the summer window, which can be partially attributed to Moyes not starting his new job until the expiry of his Everton contract on June 30, has contributed to United making their worst start to a season in 24 years.

As a result, the previously unthinkable prospect of the club missing out on Champions League qualification has become a potential nightmare scenario.

Such an outcome, triggered by the champions finishing outside the top four for the first time since the 1990-91 campaign, would see United miss out on at least £30 million in Champions League prize money next season. It would also have the knock-on effect of making it harder to attract leading players to Old Trafford in the summer.

While the Glazers and United’s hierarchy in England remain comfortable with the club’s immediate prospects and the ability of Moyes and his players to overcome their dismal start to the season, there is also an acceptance at Old Trafford that the squad left behind by Sir Alex Ferguson is badly in need of new blood.

Moyes has now been told that funds will be in place in January if he wants to make renewed moves for Everton defender Leighton Baines and Athletic Bilbao midfielder Ander Herrera, as well as try to prise France defender Eliaquim Mangala from FC  Porto.

Moves for Baines and Herrera proved unsuccessful in the summer, with ambitious efforts to sign Cesc Fàbregas, Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale also coming to nothing.

But with January still three months away, there is a belief at Old Trafford that any moves planned for the window are more likely to be executed successfully with the benefit of extra time spent on preparation and research. – The Telegraph.