Louis Van Gaal Doesn't Need January Buys to Achieve Season's Aims at Man United

Speaking on a conference call to investors in November, Ed Woodward was firm in his stance on the January transfer window.

Manchester United's executive vice-chairman insisted there would be no "short-term fixes" when the chance to sign players presents itself in the new year. 

Woodward revealed there was a list of targets and, if any of those became available in January, United would be willing to do business. He used Juan Mata's arrival from Chelsea last season as an example. But he insisted there will be no panic buys:

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We're not looking to enter the market for short-term fixes. However, we have targets that we are looking at for next summer and should any of those become available in January, which is rare, we will consider acting.

But in terms of expectations we all need to recognise that's a low probability.

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It's a line Louis van Gaal has followed, too. Asked after the win over Southampton whether he might be tempted to sign a new defender in January, the Dutchman's response was quick and to the point: "When you have injuries you cannot solve the problem otherwise. Do we have to buy players? No. We have more than enough."

It is clear, though, that despite a summer spend of £155 million, United are still short in some areas. Van Gaal will, eventually, need a new defender. It's likely he'll sign a midfielder, as well. 

As Woodward said, he'll have a list of targets already drawn up. But they will be high-end players, similar in standard to Angel Di Maria or Radamel Falcao. The trouble is that those players are often not available in January. And if they are, it's always a seller's market. 

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But as January 1 draws closer, the temptation to spend will get greater and greater. The right signing at the right price can, of course, make all the difference. For United, it might be the difference between finishing fourth or fifth, second or first.

But the odds are staked against it. The chances are you'll end up with something that seemed like a good idea at the time but, in the end, turns out to be a waste of money, like an impulse buy at the check-out.

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Van Gaal is trying to build something at Old Trafford. He's trying to build a team that will, he hopes, be able to win the Premier League and the Champions League.

But his brief this season is to get them back into the Champions League. And even with a crippling injury list and an ever-changing defence, they're third in the table. They're still only seven points behind leaders Chelsea.

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January transfer business will be the answer for some managers this year. But Van Gaal can do without it. He's on course to meet the club's expectations without spending money on Woodward's "short-term fixes."

The more prudent approach would be to assess the situation in the summer and spend again then. It's more likely the players he really wants will be available.

Van Gaal's ultimate aim at United is to win the Premier League and the Champions League. He will do well to keep that in mind when the temptation to spend in January kicks in.