'United already at maximum level of numbers for a manageable squad'
- Published
BBC Sport's chief football news reporter Simon Stone has been taking your questions.
Rich asked: Any chance of Manchester United actually doing some business in this window? Such a promising start and yet again failing to deliver. Going to be yet another poor season if the club don't get players in and out.
Simon replied: We know United are trying to get the Bryan Mbeumo deal over the line and, ideally, want that done before they head off to the USA next Tuesday.
In theory, that should significantly improve their goal threat.
I am pretty sure United would bring in a number nine if they could find one at the required standard, but the reality is they need to sell players as well, and that is not easy.
We all know the five players Ruben Amorim has no use for, but he may well have to look beyond those because, with no Europe, I already think United are at the maximum level in terms of numbers for a manageable squad.
Don't forget, apart from Alejandro Garnacho, all the exiled players spent the second half of last season out on loan, and only Christian Eriksen, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans - who didn't play much anyway - have left.
Tim asked: Manchester United have quietly signed five top-rated teenage players over the past two windows. Ayden Heaven, Chido Obi-Martin and now Diego Leon, Seth Ridgeon and Tyrese Noubissie. Is this a real change in their recruitment policy or is it normal and just more reported now?
Simon replied: United are definitely targeting the youth market. Time will be the judge over whether the policy works or not because, with a handful of exceptions, the journey from promising 18-year-old to senior, top-level Premier League star is extremely hazardous.
In the limited number of appearances he made before getting injured at Leicester City, Heaven looked exceptionally accomplished. But can he maintain that level week after week, month after month?
Obi-Martin scored a huge number of goals at youth level but - to me - looked to have a lot to learn when he was given a chance in the Premier League.
Supporters have to recognise the standards these players need to get to is phenomenally high. Doing well at youth level is a stepping stone, but no more than that.
Read more of the Q&A with our football news reporting team here