Ten Hag in Rashford and Garnacho DIG as Man Utd boss sends board clear transfer demand
Robin Bairner
- Updated: 27 Jul 2023 10:33 BST
- 3 min read
Erik ten Hag has pinpointed one area where Manchester United need to improve after their 2-0 friendly defeat by Real Madrid on Wednesday.
The Red Devils, who boasted new signings Andre Onana and Mason Mount in their ranks from kick off, conceded to a Jude Bellingham chip after six minutes and conceded late to Joselu in the Houston exhibition match.
Man Utd had more possession and as many shots as their rivals, but Ten Hag thought his side were lacking offensively.
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Asked if he is actively seeking to sign a new striker, he replied: "Absolutely. There were two things – the pressing can be better from the start, and scoring goals.
"I think we need more players who are capable to be in the one-on-ones and we had the situations of one-on-ones.
"It was Marcus Rashford, it was, I thought, Scott McTominay in one-on-one situations. Alejandro Garnacho, a one-on-one situation. From the situations, you have to score."
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The Red Devils have started their pre-season campaign modestly in front of goal, with five goals scoring in their four recognised first-team friendlies.
Rashford started Wednesday’s match at the forefront of the Man Utd attack but with the England star typically performing better off the left, it only served to underline Ten Hag’s lack of options in the No.9 role.
Previously, the Dutchman had intimated that he had been impressed by Jadon Sancho in that position but the former Borussia Dortmund player does not correspond to the traditional centre-forward profile that Ten Hag is seeking.
Instead, Man Utd are chasing the signature of Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta. While personal terms have been agreed, there is still much work to be done on the transfer fee – and Wednesday’s performance will only increase the ammunition for Ten Hag to approach the board and demand an agreement is found.
