Erik ten Hag has said Manchester United need to add a striker to their squad during the January transfer window, but added he won’t “burn money” by signing the wrong player.
United face Bournemouth at home on Tuesday having climbed into the top four at the weekend despite having the lowest strike rate in the top six with just 24 goals from 16 games so far this season. With only 12 goals from seven games at Old Trafford, no club in the top 10 has scored fewer times at home than United.
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United cancelled the contract of Cristiano Ronaldo, last season’s 24-goal top scorer, before the World Cup and Ten Hag said he is concerned about the lack of goal threat in his team, with Marcus Rashford the leading scorer on six Premier League goals.
But having missed out on PSV Eindhoven forward Cody Gakpo to Liverpool, partly due to a lack of finances at Old Trafford, Ten Hag insisted United will continue to look for the right striker, with the caveat that he must offer instant value for money.
“I think we have a good team when all the players are available, but with many games coming up, I think there is a need [for a new striker],” Ten Hag said. “But you need one who can have an impact, otherwise you are just burning money and you don’t strengthen the squad. It doesn’t help you.”
