Ten Hag quizzed on striker plans
Erik ten Hag says Manchester United will not be dipping into the transfer market for a striker in January, despite Anthony Martial’s long-term injury.
Martial underwent successful surgery on a groin complaint earlier this week and is expected to be out for around 10 weeks.
Rasmus Hojlund is United’s primary option in the centre-forward position and scored in our last outing, the 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford.
The Dane is now our leading marksman in all competitions, with seven goals since signing from Atalanta in the summer.
Although he conceded Martial’s absence leaves a ‘gap in our squad’, Ten Hag also highlighted Marcus Rashford’s capabilities in the position, and suggested that we have other alternatives to turn to.
Part one: Press conference v Newport
Press conference part one | Get the latest news and views from Erik ten Hag, before the FA Cup tie at Newport County...
“I looked [at signing a striker], but there is no space on FFP [Financial Fair Play] to do something about this lack of quantity in the striker position,” Ten Hag told reporters on Friday.
“Of course, we have Rashford, who can play as a striker.
“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.”
Martial has made 19 appearances for the Reds this season, scoring twice, in the Carabao Cup against Crystal Palace and at Everton, during our 3-0 Premier League victory in November.
He hasn’t featured since December’s 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth.