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.

‘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.’

Erik ten Hag wanted to sign a striker in January – but FFP stopped Man United from doing so

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 Hag admitted that Casemiro will need time to get back up to speed after the Brazilian picked up an early booking at Molineux and then conceded a penalty that allowed Wolves back into the game as United won 4-3.

Ten Hag knows United will have to be ‘creative’ with players like Marcus Rashford (centre right), Omari Forson and Amad Diallo to fill the gap

‘He has to catch up as well,’ said Ten Hag, who replaced Casemiro in the 73rd minute. ‘I know the more games he plays the better he will be. But he needs some game minutes, that’s what he takes the most benefit from.

‘In that moment, I think with another foul maybe he would have been sent off so we couldn’t take the risk.’