Manchester United face problematic January Transfer Window: Ex-Liverpool Chief Purslow

Former Liverpool chief Christian Purslow has slammed Manchester United and claimed they will struggle to sign any world class talents in the January transfer window.

United have endured a tough season so far, losing five games at home, including their FA Cup third round tie against Swansea City.

Purslow believes United have the financial power to compete with the big guns in Europe, but thinks they won’t sign them.

Purslow told Transfer Centre: “Manchester United are a club that has more financial resources than any other, and are complying with all the new rules on spending money.

“I think it’s remarkable how little they’ve spent over the years, and that’s probably because they haven’t had to with the manager they’ve had.

“It’s a new era at United – they’ve a new chief executive and new manager. It’s time for them to start to actually punch at the weight at which they can compete.

“That means buying top class players. But the problem is who can you buy in January? What Champions League club is going to want to strengthen Manchester United when they’re a rival?”

Former England midfielder Darren Anderton says United are paying the price for not replacing Paul Scholes last summer.

“The first half of the season has been a real struggle for them,” said Anderton. “They’re not playing well and the players they brought in last summer, such as Marouane Fellaini, haven’t worked.

“They really need a playmaker, someone like Juan Mata. They haven’t replaced Paul Scholes and are really struggling.”

United have lost just two third round FA Cup ties in the past 30 years; yesterday’s 2-1 to Swansea City and 2010?s 1-0 defeat to Leeds United.