That is the view of The Athletic reporter David Ornstein, who was taking part in a question and answer session about Manchester United when he made the claim.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was promised the chance to overhaul his squad in the summer but the Norwegian was left with only three new players joining his squad, while several first-team members either left or were shown the door.
While the additions of Harry Maguire from Leicester City and Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Crystal Palace has helped the team defensively, the only attacking player brought in was winger Daniel James, who joined from Championship side Swansea.
United sold Romelu Lukaku to Inter Milan after months of negotiations with the Italian side and also decided to send Alexis Sanchez out on loan to the San Siro – with no replacements being signed.
There were reports United had being linked to Juventus striker Mario Mandzukic but as there was little time to conclude a deal after Lukaku’s transfer nothing materialised.
As for Sanchez, there was no chance of bringing in a replacement for the Chilean as the English transfer window had already closed when United agreed a deal with Inter.
United had also decided to sell midfielder Marouane Fellaini to join Chinese club Shandong Luneng last January and in the summer Ander Herrera left the club to join Paris Saint-Germain after his contracts expired.
Ornstein claimed that while Solskjaer and the club are delighted with the three additions, they will be looking to strengthen their options in midfield and up front in the upcoming windows.
“The club worked with OGS to deliver three signings they were all delighted with,” said Ornstein.
“That said, there is a clear issue in attack, where they did not replace Lukaku or Sanchez, while they are also yet to replace players they’ve lost in central midfield.
“So it wouldn’t be a surprise if they strengthen in both positions.”
United have historically spent months planning their transfer targets and begin the process of planning for next summer in September.
As a result Ornstein doesn’t think there will be much activity at Old Trafford during the January window unless a particularly good opportunity arises or United decide to change managers.
“The summer is always their focus,” continued Ornstein.
“And January, being a complicated market, is viewed as being used for emergency situations or particularly good opportunities that arise.
“So I imagine it will be quiet, although that may depend on what happens with the managerial situation.”