Erik ten Hag has admitted that Manchester United need a striker, but stressed the “criteria is high” when it comes to finding the best options.
Cristiano Ronaldo left Manchester United during the World Cup after an explosive interview with Piers Morgan. The club and manager had no other choice but to terminate his contract, even if it left us extra short in the striker department.
However, we have seen both Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial played through the middle this season, but it could be argued that they are even better coming from the left. There are still question marks over Martial’s fitness after spending the majority of the season injured.
Ten Hag has stressed the importance of adding a number nine after Ronaldo’s departure.
“We have lost a striker so we need to get a striker in, but has to be the right one who brings quality into the team, not just adding to squad,” Ten Hag told reporters after the Carabao Cup win over Burnley, as per BBC Sport. “That only causes problems. The criteria is high here at Manchester United.”
Most newspapers believed United would make a move for PSV Eindhoven and Netherlands star Cody Cody in January, but rivals Liverpool have snatched that deal just days before the transfer window opens.
It remains to be seen who United will target next – as an alternative to Gakpo – though Benfica’s Goncalo Ramos could be an option unless his World Cup heroics result in a ridiculous rise in valuation.
