Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg has revealed that along with a right-back, Manchester United are looking to sign a striker.
Speaking on Twitter, Plettenberg said: “Moreover United is looking for a talented striker. Market in South America is very interesting.”.
Manchester United Want to Sign a Striker
News #MUFC: Main priority is to transfer a right-back in winter. Frimpong is one of the candidates as reported. Moreover United is looking for a talented striker. Market in South America is very interesting. Depending on De Gea is the search for a new goalkeeper. @SkySportDE 🏴
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) October 25, 2022
Continuing to Build Under Erik ten Hag
The Erik ten Hag effect is starting to become apparent at Manchester United. Despite a frustrating start, the Dutchman has overseen victories against Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur as the Red Devils have climbed the table and are currently sat in sixth place, one point behind fourth-placed Newcastle United.
However, for that progress to continue, the club will need to provide the 52-year-old with a striker that fits his system.
Read More: Manchester United Target ‘Outstanding’ Former Manchester City Star to Solve Right-Back Issue
Erik ten Hag on Man Utd signing new striker in January: "I count on Cristiano Ronaldo, so in this moment it is not an item". 🔴 #MUFC
Will Ronaldo be there for the rest of the season and do you want him to stay for the rest of the season?
"Yes, both", ten Hag said. pic.twitter.com/JBJRUma6JY
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 22, 2022
Issues With the Current Selection
It has become apparent that Cristiano Ronaldo, despite being one of the greatest players to grace the game, is not a player that fits into that system. Ronaldo can and will score goals when he plays, but Ten Hag needs more from his striker than just goals. In order to effectively play on the front foot, the Dutchman will need a striker that is mobile and energetic to be able to work within a pressing side. Cristiano Ronaldo simply isn’t that type of player, especially now that he is 37 years of age.
The player who Ten Hag has often started at number nine instead has been Marcus Rashford. The Englishman ticks the mobility and energy boxes, however, this time it is his finishing that lets him down. This was evident in their recent 2-0 victory over Tottenham, during which Rashford missed multiple gilt-edged chances, resulting in Arsenal legend Thierry Henry saying: “You open the ball up, just finish it. Place it down here. Why hard? Side foot, goal, see you later. But it was right at him [the goalkeeper]. But great save from Hugo [Lloris].”
Anthony Martial is a player who has the potential to combine both sides of the game perfectly. The Frenchman is young, dynamic and has shown glimpses of his finishing ability already in a Manchester United shirt. The issue with Martial, however, is consistency. Between being plagued by injuries and a lack of confidence, the 26-year-old has so far been unable to perform to a high standard regularly for the Red Devils.
Read More: Manchester United Get Goal Boost as Erik ten Hag Makes Decision on Exiled Star
Which Strikers Have Been Linked?
A club of Manchester United’s size will get linked to a wide array of striking options, however, there were two names in particular that the Red Devils were heavily linked with during the summer transfer window.
Victor Osimhen and Ivan Toney were both linked with moves to Old Trafford and those links have continued to this day. Both players are technically sound, mobile, good in the air and excellent finishers – qualities that Erik ten Hag demands from his strikers.
But, even if Manchester United decide to go with a different option, that striker will likely be of a similar profile to Osimhen and Toney, which could be exactly what Ten Hag’s side needs to reach the next level.
