02 January 2023 , 22:30
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Erik ten Hag says he is not prepared to “burn money” and add a striker to Manchester United's squad just for the sake of it.
United are looking to recruit a striker in this month's transfer window after Cristiano Ronaldo's acrimonious exit and Jadon Sancho unavailable and Mason Greenwood suspended. But Ten Hag says he will only bring in a new forward if the player can improve his side, with the United boss insisting he is not prepared to do so just to add numbers to his squad.
He said: “I think we have a good team when all the players are available. But with many games coming up, I think there is a need [for a striker]. But you need one who can have an impact, otherwise you are just burning money and you don’t strengthen the squad and it doesn’t help you.”
Ten Hag is convinced Anthony Martial, only just back from injury, can solve United's goal problem, with the Red Devils having netted just 24 times in 16 league games – the second fewest of the top 10.
“I’m really happy with his performances across many games,” Ten Hag said of the Frenchman. “He has a really good impact on our game. It’s really enjoyable to work with him. If you see the minutes he’s played and the impact he’s had so far, I think that’s really huge.
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“But he’s not used to coming on every third day. He didn’t play for a long time and probably Wolves wasn’t his game. You can see what a real impact he can have and in the next game, I expect a better performance from him. I think he will do it, I’m really convinced of that."
Ten Hag ruled out recalling Amad from his loan spell at Sunderland, where the forward has scored six goals in 11 games. “We consider everything, but I have a little bit of reservation about that because I don’t want to stop the process,” Ten Hag said of the 20-year-old.
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Erik ten Hag doesn't think he needs another striker now Anthony Martial is fit again (OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)“He's made really good progress there, so I’m happy with that. When we decide for him to come back, he has to be a player who can compete for the starting line-up or come on for a lot of games and make an impact."
Ten Hag also ruled out any players going out on loan this month, given the lack of depth within his squad, particularly in attacking positions.
“I know we have good players and I know a lot of clubs will have an interest in players who aren’t playing for us so often,” said Ten Hag. “But we need the squad. We need depth in the squad and especially, I would say, the front line.”