Manchester United defended their recruitment policy in a meeting with supporters earlier this month, insisting they are "committed" to backing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the market.

The minutes from a fans' forum meeting on September 13, released after United were beaten 2-0 at West Ham on Sunday, revealed a club spokesperson insisting that transfer targets are decided by Solskjaer and his recruitment department.

United also suggested they are still looking to add more members of staff to their recruitment team, amid reports of their continued search for a first technical director.

The spokesman said: "Everyone at the club, from the owners down, is focused on competing for and winning trophies at the highest level. To do that we have invested heavily in the playing squad and will continue to do so.

Harry Maguire joined Manchester United for £80m this past summer

"At the same time, the exciting pool of talent coming through from our youth and academy sections is a result of increased investment in this area over the last five years.

"It's important to note that while our successful commercial operation helps drive that investment, the priority is the focus on achieving success on the pitch.

"Similarly, it is worth noting that we are not looking at or buying players based on their commercial appeal. We agree that recruitment is critical.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka joined Manchester United for £50m this past summer.

"We are committed to getting this right and there has been huge investment in this area to put our recruitment department into a position to be able to deliver the manager the players he wants. This process is significantly more effective than four or five years ago.

"We are continually reviewing and looking at the potential to evolve our structure on the football side. Much of the speculation around this type of role focuses purely on recruitment.

"We've materially expanded our recruitment department in recent years and we believe this runs in an efficient and productive way. Many of the senior staff in these roles have been at the club for over 10 years.

"Recruitment recommendations and decisions are worked on by this department and the manager and his team, not senior management.

Daniel James joined Manchester United for £15m this past summer.

"We feel the players signed this summer demonstrate that this approach is the right one and any future appointment would complement this process.

"Regarding transfer budget, we have invested significantly in the squad and we will continue to do so."

Manchester United spent £145m on players in the summer transfer window, concentrating their efforts on emerging English talent in Harry Maguire (£80m), Aaron Wan Bissaka (£50) and Dan James (£15m).