Manchester United frustrated in attempts to add to squad on deadline day

Manchester United did not make any further signings on deadline day despite head coach Ruben Amorim saying the club had been “trying everything” before the window closed.

Sunday’s 2-0 home loss to Crystal Palace left the Red Devils languishing 13th in the Premier League standings and only underlined the issues at hand.

Kobbie Mainoo was deployed as a false nine with goal-shy Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee on the bench as United explored potential deals for Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku and Bayern Munich’s Mathys Tel, who ended up joining Tottenham.

“So, we know all of the aspects of our club in the moment, but we are trying everything.”

However, United indicated to the PA news agency early on Monday evening that they were not expecting to bring anyone else in before the deadline and so it proved.

The club pointed to tight financial constraints and a disciplined approach that they hope will give them greater options to make summer signings.

But that means there has been no attacking reinforcements after Antony and Marcus Rashford were allowed to make loan moves to Real Betis and Aston Villa respectively.

Ayden Heaven, 18, joins Amorim’s first team from Arsenal, where the centre-back made his debut earlier this season.

Denmark left-back Patrick Dorgu, 20, could quickly become a key player for United, having arrived from Lecce for an initial 30million euros (£25.1m) plus a potential five million euros (£4.2m) in add-ons.

A deal has also been agreed to bring in Paraguayan defender Diego Leon, 17, from Cerro Porteno this summer.

Meanwhile, United centre-back Lisandro Martinez reportedly suffered a season-ending knee injury in the defeat to Palace.

The Argentina international was in tears as he left the field on a stretcher and reports in his homeland say he will be out for up to eight months with a torn ACL in his left knee.