Erik ten Hag Eyes Summer Transfer: Man Utd Manager Seeks Striker

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is eyeing reinforcements in the striker department during the upcoming summer transfer window. Despite initially believing his team had ample firepower at the start of the season, the Dutchman now acknowledges the shortfall in goals. United has registered the fewest goals among the top 10 Premier League teams, tallying just 45 goals in the campaign so far.

Reflecting on the pressing need for a proven scorer at Old Trafford, Ten Hag emphasized bolstering their attacking options. He stressed the need for multiple strong contenders for each position within the squad. According to him, the lack of depth in certain areas, particularly up front and at left-back, has adversely affected the team’s performance throughout the season.

While United made a significant investment last summer by signing Danish forward Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta for £72 million, the 21-year-old has emerged as their top scorer with 13 goals in his debut season. However, the contributions from England striker Marcus Rashford and French forward Anthony Martial have fallen short of expectations, with Rashford netting eight goals and Martial finding the net only twice before being sidelined due to injury.

Ten Hag expressed his disappointment at the failure to meet the goalscoring expectations set at the beginning of the season, especially considering Rashford and Martial’s individual track records. He highlighted the need for the team to deliver based on the strategic plan devised, which had factored in the anticipated goal contributions from key players like Rashford and Martial, supplemented by the addition of Hojlund.

Looking ahead, Ten Hag acknowledged the changes in United’s organizational structure following Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s recent investment and the involvement of Ineos director of sport Sir Dave Brailsford. With new appointments like chief executive Omar Berrada and potential additions such as sporting director Dan Ashworth, the managerial setup at United is transforming.

While expressing confidence in the club’s recruitment process, Ten Hag remained receptive to input from the new hierarchy, provided it aligned with the team’s playing style and strategic objectives. Emphasizing the importance of synergy between recruitment strategies and tactical requirements, he reiterated the need for any incoming players to fit the desired profiles identified by the coaching staff.