Manchester United suffered a 0-2 defeat against Real Madrid in their pre-season clash at the NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, leaving fans concerned about the team’s need of firepower up front. Manager Erik ten Hag acknowledged the issue and pointed out that Marcus Rashford’s struggles as a center forward were evident in the match. Rashford’s preference to play on the left rather than as a No. 9 impacted his performance, with limited touches and missed opportunities.
Rashford is not the Answer to Striker Dilemma
Rashford’s discomfort playing as the main striker was evident during the match against Real Madrid. The England international had limited involvement, with just 18 touches of the ball. While he maintained a 100 percent pass completion rate, his impatience to create opportunities hindered his effectiveness in front of the goal. Rashford prefers involvement and creativity rather than patiently waiting for the perfect chance, which elite strikers often do. This lack of concentration and impatience cost him a potentially easier chance during the game.
Elite strikers have the patience to wait for the perfect moment. However, Rashford’s style revolves around creating opportunities from frequent touches on the ball.
Manchester United Needs a Forward Signing
To address the issue upfront, Manchester United is actively pursuing a forward signing to alleviate the goalscoring pressure on Rashford. Among the potential targets is Rasmus Höjlund, a young talent with immense potential. Although signing Höjlund represents a gamble due to his age and limited experience at the highest level, Ten Hag and the recruitment department believe he can be a valuable addition to the squad. However, the club also considers Rashford as a possible center forward next season, given his versatility and willingness to adapt to different positions.
Höjlund, a promising Danish talent, has shown potential with nine goals in 32 Serie A games last season. While not yet having reached 100 senior appearances, he brings a fresh approach to the team and could provide a boost to Manchester United’s attacking prowess
Manchester United’s recruitment team is working tirelessly to secure a forward signing before the start of the season. While Höjlund remains the most likely candidate, United is exploring other options as well. The club is also in discussions with Eintracht Frankfurt about Randal Kolo Muani and with Ajax about Mohammed Kudus. The aim is to find a forward who can complement Rashford’s playing style and add potency to the attacking front.
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