In a bid to strengthen their squad for the upcoming season, Manchester United’s manager, Erik ten Hag, has been actively pursuing a striker. The Dutch tactician is adamant that signing a new No. 9 is crucial to the team’s success and wants the acquisition to be completed as soon as possible to allow ample time for integration. Failure to secure a striker during the summer transfer window has raised concerns, but Ten Hag remains hopeful for a positive outcome.
The Search for a Striker
Having already bolstered the midfield with the talented Mason Mount and replaced goalkeeper David de Gea with André Onana, Ten Hag now sets his sights on acquiring a quality striker. Two players on his radar are Atalanta’s Rasmus Højlund and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Randal Kolo Muani. Both players have showcased their potential on the field and possess the attributes Ten Hag seeks in a top-class striker.
Integrating the New Recruit
Ten Hag emphasizes the urgency of signing the striker as early as possible to ensure a seamless integration into the team. He acknowledges the challenges of adapting to a new team’s style of play and believes that an early arrival would provide ample time for the player to familiarize himself with the tactics and principles employed by Manchester United. While he acknowledges that ideal situations do not always arise in football, he remains determined to make the best of the current circumstances.
Relying on Marcus Rashford
With Marcus Rashford being a key figure in Manchester United’s attacking force, Ten Hag praises the English forward’s goal-scoring abilities. Rashford’s performance last season, scoring an impressive 30 goals, has raised expectations for the upcoming campaign. Ten Hag believes that Rashford can replicate his success if provided with the right support and team dynamics. When the team plays cohesively and follows their established principles, Rashford’s clinical finishing ability can shine through, regardless of the foot he uses or the position he finds himself in.
The Need for More Goals
Despite Rashford’s prowess, Manchester United’s goal-scoring record has been less than satisfactory. With only 58 goals scored in the Premier League last season, the team falls short in comparison to other top-six clubs. Ten Hag acknowledges this deficiency and believes that other players must step up to contribute more goals. He places faith in Mason Mount, who not only has the ability to score goals but also create opportunities for others, including Rashford.
Anthony Martial’s Uncertain Future
Manchester United’s striker situation is further complicated by Anthony Martial’s injury-prone nature. While the French forward possesses great talent, his recurring injuries have raised doubts about his long-term reliability. However, Ten Hag remains hopeful that Martial will regain his fitness and provide valuable contributions to the team’s goal-scoring endeavors.
Fostering Young Talent
Manchester United’s upcoming friendly against Wrexham will showcase the team’s young talents, with an XI primarily composed of junior players. Ten Hag believes in nurturing young talent and providing them with opportunities to develop their skills on a grand stage. Veteran Johnny Evans will captain the young side, providing invaluable guidance and leadership.
Pursuit of Leon Goretzka
In addition to bolstering the striker position, Ten Hag has identified the midfield as an area for improvement. He is keen on securing Bayern Munich’s Leon Goretzka, who was previously on Real Madrid’s radar. Goretzka’s dynamic playing style and ability to complement players like Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes make him an ideal target for Manchester United.
Bayern Munich’s Loan Move for Tchouameni
Interestingly, Bayern Munich is exploring a loan move for Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni, indicating that the German club is looking for alternatives in midfield. Tchouameni’s versatility and playing style make him a desirable candidate to fill the No. 6 role at Bayern. This move could potentially pave the way for Goretzka’s transfer to Manchester United.