Erik ten Hag has highlighted one area in which Manchester United need to improve and reinforce with adequate backup.
The forward department at the club has been an area in need of development for several seasons now.
Currently, Anthony Martial is United’s only out-and-out striker, and he has accumulated only 220 minutes of game time since the season began due to three separate injuries.
Cristiano Ronaldo will retire as one of football’s most prolific goal-scorers, however, the 37-year-old obviously isn’t providing the same numbers he did earlier in his career, and he is not able to bear the responsibility of a Premier League forward who can net 20 goals a season to help secure a title.
Marcus Rashford’s form has fluctuated throughout his senior career in Red. Overall, it has been positive and the Englishman hit a personal landmark against West Ham on October 29 when his match-winning goal marked the 100th for the club.
An element Rashford needs to improve is his finishing and knowing when to stop making space for a shot – and just shoot.
Ten Hag hints at need for new signings
In his pre-match press conference ahead of Fulham, he was asked how we would rate the season so far for United, he replied (via ManUtd.com): “I hoped that we would be here, where we are now. But it would be better to ask me the question after Sunday – Sunday is going to be a really important game. But, if you look at the progress, you can make a reflection on it until today.
“I think we’ve made progress. I think one of the conclusions you can make is that the front line is a concern. I think we really made progress in the football, pressing, playing out from the back, and also attacking. But the final third, that game we have to improve, but then you have to have numbers available.
“Also, when we have to cover so many games, you need rotation, otherwise you don’t keep the players fresh and so we need players who are available on the highest level. We need high-level players in that front line.”
When asked if the need for players meant new signings or squad members, he responded: “Both.
“But first, look in our squad and I think we are happy. We have talked a lot now about Garnacho. That is the question: can he stay in this development? Can he keep that line, [that] pattern of improving? Then he can contribute. He will be a real contribution to the squad, and we need that.”
