Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has confirmed he wanted to sign a striker in the winter transfer window as he criticised the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability rules (PSR).
There was not a single incoming at United in January as the club were compromised by PSR. The illness and injury to Anthony Martial, who is due to be out until April after groin surgery, was viewed as a valid incentive for United to recruit a forward but Ten Hag cited PSR behind United’s inactivity last week.
United signed Wout Weghorst on loan from Burnley midway through last season after Cristiano Ronaldo forced his exit but the club was unable to afford a loanee this season.
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Youngster Isak Hansen-Aaroen was the only permanent departure from United in the winter window and the club negotiated loans for Donny van de Beek, Alvaro Fernandez and Hannibal Mejbri that include an option to buy. Overall, there were 15 outgoings at United.
United have become more proactive selling academy players as it represents a total profit but Ten Hag is not a fan of the concept of selling to construct a squad.
“It’s not a secret I wanted a striker,” Ten Hag stressed. “With the injury to Martial, we don’t really have the back-up. But it wasn’t possible because we have to match the FFP (financial fair play) rules.
“There are some disadvantages with FFP. To make space for FFP, you have to sell players and you have to sell good players and I don’t think that’s the way you build a team.”
Rasmus Hojlund is United’s only recognisable striker and the 20-year-old has scored in his last three Premier League games to take his tally for the season to nine goals across all competitions.
Ten Hag had to substitute the Denmark international in the second half of the 4-3 victory at Wolves as Hojlund was “dead” and the Dutchman admits he will have to be creative in selecting alternatives.
“We have Omari (Forson), we have Amad Diallo,” Ten Hag added. “Of course we have Rashford who can play there. But I think for the rest, all the positions are occupied. We have to be a little bit creative, it’s up to the No.9 position.”
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
