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Erik ten Hag coy on Manchester United's alleged striker pursuit

Erik ten Hag coy on Manchester United's alleged striker pursuit
© Reuters
Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag refuses to give anything away when asked about a possible forward addition in January.

Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag insisted that there are enough goals in this squad when questioned on a possible attacking recruit during the January transfer window.

The Red Devils have only netted 13 times in 12 Premier League matches this season, while their leading goalscorer in all competitions is Rasmus Hojlund with five.

All of Hojlund's goals have come in the Champions League, with the Denmark international yet to register in England's top flight, while Marcus Rashford has only scored once this season.

Anthony Martial also has just one goal, while Alejandro Garnacho, Facundo Pellistri and Antony have just one between them, with Man United struggling to click in an attacking sense this season.

The 20-time English champions are expected to be active in January, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe's arrival as a minority shareholder potentially increasing their budget for the winter market, and a new centre-forward is believed to be high on their wish-list.

Manchester United's Rasmus Hojlund celebrates scoring against Copenhagen on November 8, 2023© Reuters

When asked about a possible addition in the final third of the field during his press conference on Friday, Ten Hag preferred to speak about the players currently at the club, and he insisted that the goals will come for those who have struggled this term.

"I am confident we will get a [turning] point. Our players are able to score goals and some, they showed it already. Rashy [Marcus Rashford] scored 30 goals last season, Rasmus Hojlund [has] scored five goals in the Champions League. That is massive," he told reporters.

"There are not many players across Europe who can deliver that. Our players are capable of scoring goals and there will come a point when they do. As a team, we are good, I think we are ranked fifth in the Premier League by creating chances.

"They have to step up but they know that. You have to deal with that, that is the pressure of the standard here at Manchester United. But our players have the abilities to score goals."

Manchester United's Marcus Rashford  on September 30, 2023© Reuters

Meanwhile, when quizzed on the impact that Financial Fair Play could have on their chances of adding to their squad in the winter, the Dutchman added:" You are now talking about January but that is also in the previous window and the window before.

"There is always a limit in what case you can do business. So we have to match it and it limits you in the things you can do."

Jadon Sancho is set to leave Man United in January due to his falling-out with Ten Hag, and his exit would open up space in the squad for a new signing to arrive.

However, it will be difficult for the club to move Sancho on permanently in the middle of the campaign, with the Red Devils potentially being forced into accepting a loan exit.

Porto's Mehdi Taremi, Juventus' Federico Chiesa and Lecce's Nikola Krstovic are among the forwards to be linked with mid-season moves to the 20-time English champions.

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Written by
Matt Law

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