Erik ten Hag says Manchester United are working hard to improve the squad for next season, with a new goalscorer on the agenda when the transfer window opens.
In his first season in charge, Ten Hag has ended United’s trophy drought with the Carabao Cup and the Dutchman is in the hunt for more.
It is believed that United will prioritise an elite-level striker, with Harry Kane reportedly being Ten Hag’s primary target as well as a midfielder.
Furthermore, we fully expect a number of players to leave at the end of the season. United’s finances will depend heavily on whether the Glazers sell the club before the end of May.
“We are working hard in the background so that we get more players in scoring,” Ten Hag said, as quoted by the Manchester Evening News. “But at the same time we have to develop our attacking play, so that more players come into areas where they can score goals.
“I think we have the capabilities. I have to repeat that Jason Sancho can score a goal, Bruno Fernandes can score a goal, Marcel Sabitzer can score a goal and Antony. The good thing is Anthony Martial is getting fit, fit and fitter, so when he is back he can definitely score goals, so we already have two players who are capable of scoring 15 goals or more.
“You always have to think about improving your way of playing. We are now in the final stage, so not even two months to go, so you keep working to improve your game and then you make the next step.
“The summer will come, and I already said, of course we are working in the background. But in this moment, it is not the focus. It is about now. We are in the right spot and we are competing for the top four of the Premier League, the quarter-final of the Europa League and semi-final of the FA Cup.
“We have already won a cup, so we have to make it a really successful season. We have a great squad, so I am really positive to get a good final stage of the season and even more silverware.”
No update on Marcus Rashford contract
When asked about United’s top scorer this season, Marcus Rashford, Ten Hag stressed that he is relaxed about the player’s contract situation.
That said, the manager didn’t want to talk publicly about the negotiation process.
“I don’t want to comment on the process because I don’t think it will support the process, but I am quite relaxed,” Ten Hag added.
Where is Rashford going to go if he doesn’t agree new terms with United? Unless Real Madrid came knocking on the door, which I guess is likely at some point, I don’t think joining Paris Saint-Germain would be a step up.
That leads us to the next question: would Rashford join another Premier League club?
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