Erik ten Hag acknowledges that Manchester United is not anticipating the possibility of securing a new striker before the January transfer window closes.
The Red Devils are in search of an experienced striker to alleviate the pressure on £72m signing Rasmus Hojlund, who has only managed two Premier League goals this season. However, the club has been compelled to focus on player departures this month in an attempt to generate funds.
As previously disclosed by 90min earlier this month, a potential move for an experienced striker like Bayern Munich’s Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting would only be considered if Manchester United could free up sufficient funds by the end of the month.
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Ten Hag has now affirmed that a move for a new striker is not financially feasible, stating in Friday’s press conference: “I looked [at signing a striker], but there is no space on FFP to do something about this lack of quantity in the striker position.”
The situation for United has been compounded by the news that Anthony Martial, the only other natural striker on the roster at Old Trafford, is set to miss another ten weeks of action following groin surgery.
“Of course, we have [Marcus] Rashford, who can play as a striker,” Ten Hag emphasized. “I think also we have some other alternatives, creative [players], but it is clear that now Anthony is out for a couple of weeks [and] months, it is a gap in our squad.”
United is anticipated to pursue a striker in the summer but will not finalize their plans until Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS take charge at Old Trafford, with a new recruitment team expected to be established in the coming months.
Ajax striker Brian Brobbey has been linked, but understands that the 21-year-old Dutchman does not align with the current desired profile at United. While Brobbey is having a standout season with 11 goals in 17 games, there is awareness that he lacks a proven track record as a reliable goalscorer, potentially paving the way for a player like Choupo-Moting to arrive at Old Trafford.