Erik ten Hag reveals Manchester United are ‘making progress’ on signing a striker

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag admits the club are ‘making progress’ on signing a striker, amid talks with Atalanta over a deal for Rasmus Hojlund.

The Dutchman has spent most of his £120m transfer budget already this summer by recruiting Andre Onana and Mason Mount.

However, he remains determined to sign a new centre forward after the side’s struggles in front of goal last term.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Departure

Cristiano Ronaldo left in November and was replaced by Burnley striker Wout Weghorst on loan. The Dutchman made 29 appearances for the Red Devils in the second half of the season, but managed just two goals.

Hojlund is United’s First Choice

Hojlund is United’s first choice but the club say they won’t spend any more than £60m on the Dane. That’s a problem, given Atalanta are reportedly seeking £86m for the 20-year-old.

Making Inroads

But Ten Hag insists the club are making inroads in their bid to sign a striker. ‘We make progress, yeah,’ Ten Hag said when asked about United’s pursuit of a striker. ‘But you know how it works – when we have him, we will tell you directly.

‘The only thing I can say is we do everything that’s in our power to get that done. If it was up to me, yeah, as soon as possible. The earlier the better because we have to integrate him in the team, the way of play. In an ideal situation, he was already here but you do not always get ideal situations as a manager and you have to deal with the situation.’

Relying on Marcus Rashford

United were heavily reliant on Marcus Rashford’s goals last season. The winger managed 30 goals in all competitions, which is his best campaign to date.

Mason Mount’s Arrival

But Ten Hag wants to spread the goals across the team and believes Mount’s arrival could help. ‘We are underperforming there, and we are aware of it so others have to contribute also in that area but therefore we are looking for scoring abilities,’ said Ten Hag.

‘I think with Mason Mount already we have a player extra who is capable of not only scoring goals but also to create, and to put players like Rashford into position to score more goals. But as a whole team we have to score more.’

Conclusion

Erik ten Hag is desperate to sign a striker for Manchester United and is making progress in his pursuit of Atalanta’s Rasmus Hojlund. The club are unwilling to pay more than £60m for the Dane, however, while Atalanta are reportedly seeking £86m for the 20-year-old. Ten Hag believes Mason Mount’s arrival could help spread the goals across the team and help Rashford score more goals.