Revealed: Why Man Utd won't go shopping for a striker in January
Suraj Radia
- Updated: 7 Sept 2022 21:00 BST
- 3 min read
Manchester United were desperate to sign a striker this summer but they now may shelve plans to bolster their frontline in January.
With Cristiano Ronaldo looking to force an exit and their existing forwards struggling to convince manager Erik ten Hag of their scoring credentials, a striker was considered the priority transfer target.
The Red Devils saw moves for the likes of Darwin Nunez, Benjamin Sesko and Marko Arnautovic all fail during the window, leading to question marks over their firepower going into the new season.
However, after a dismal start which saw United lose their opening two Premier League games, Ten Hag’s side have won four on the bounce and have seen their core players display a resurgence in form.
In particular, United have seen Marcus Rashford revert to his best form and remind everyone why he was so highly-rated at Old Trafford.
The England international has grabbed three goals and two assists in the four-game run, just one less strike than he managed in the entirety of last season.
Jadon Sancho’s two goals have also taken him to one less than his total from the previous campaign as United’s attack appear to be finally showcasing the potential they previously had failed to display.
With Ronaldo now proving to be an option off the bench and €100 million signing Antony netting on his debut, United’s form has left critics wondering what all the fuss was about.
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Rashford is ‘f***ing dangerous!’
Rashford has drawn the plaudits after a difficult campaign last year, having looked out of sorts after missing a penalty for England in the Euro 2020 final shootout.
Former Arsenal forward Ian Wright praised Rashford’s reignited confidence and revealed he was happy for the 24-year-old despite his goals condemning his former club to defeat.
“Rashford looks reborn, he’s putting the pot on the fire because he’s ready to cook. In that instance [running through on goal], he looks unstoppable,” Wright said. “With his pace, he is f****** dangerous.”
Erik believes @MarcusRashford's positive mindset has had a big part to play in his fine early season form 😁📈#MUFC || #UEL
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 7, 2022
Former United captain Roy Keane was also full of joy for Rashford, having openly admitted he had been harsh on the academy graduate in recent times.
Asked what the difference was in Rashford’s performance against Arsenal, Keane told Sky Sports: ‘Hunger, desire, the skill levels, the decision-making, stretching teams.
“Now he looks settled, he is happy in his mind set and when Marcus is at it, he is a handful. He was outstanding, it was an absolutely brilliant performances.
