Erik ten Hag admits Manchester United are not expecting to be able to sign a striker before the January transfer window closes.
The Red Devils are looking for an experienced striker to help ease the burden on £72m signing Rasmus Hojlund, who has just two Premier League goals to his name this season, but have had to focus on outgoings this month to try and raise money.
As 90min revealed earlier this month, a move for a veteran striker like Bayern Munich’s Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting would only be considered if United could free up enough money by the end of the month.
Ten Hag has now confirmed a move for a new striker is not financially viable, telling 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.”
United‘s conundrum was worsened by the revelation that Anthony Martial, the only other natural striker on the books at Old Trafford, was set to miss another ten weeks of action after undergoing groin surgery.
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“Of course, we have [Marcus] Rashford, who can play as a striker,” Ten Hag insisted. “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 are expected to pursue a striker in the summer but will not formalise their plans until Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS are installed at Old Trafford, with a new recruitment team also set to be formed in the coming months.
Among the players linked is Ajax striker Brian Brobbey, although 90min understands the 21-year-old Dutchman does not fit the profile currently desired by those in charge at United.
While Brobbey is enjoying an excellent campaign, bagging 11 goals in 17 games, there is an awareness that he does not yet have a proven track record as a reliable goalscorer, and it is for that reason that somebody like Choupo-Moting could arrive at Old Trafford.
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