Amidst Rasmus Hojlund’s injury setback, Manchester United faces a critical test in their striking department.
Erik ten Hag, Manchester United’s manager, has stepped forward to justify his decision not to bolster the team’s striking options following an injury setback to Rasmus Hojlund, leaving the squad devoid of a recognized center-forward for approximately three weeks.
Hojlund’s absence, attributed to a minor injury sustained in high-intensity training, will force him to sit out pivotal fixtures, including the home league match against Fulham, the FA Cup fifth-round clash with Nottingham Forest, and the impending Manchester derby against City on March 3rd.
Despite Hojlund’s promising form, the injury blow intensifies United’s striking concerns, exacerbated by Anthony Martial’s ongoing recovery from groin surgery, sidelining him until April.
With Martial’s inconsistency and fitness issues over recent seasons, the reliance on the Frenchman appeared precarious. Even the loan signing of Burnley forward Wout Weghorst in January 2023 failed to address United‘s striking woes, as Weghorst struggled to make a significant impact, scoring just two goals in 31 appearances.
Ten Hag elucidates the challenges in securing suitable striking options, especially given United’s financial constraints, including Martial’s substantial wages and the club’s adherence to Financial Fair Play regulations. While acknowledging the importance of contingency plans, the manager contends that acquiring quality strikers comes at a premium, emphasizing the scarcity of viable options in the market, particularly at United’s level.
Responding to criticisms regarding the club’s failure to secure adequate cover during the summer transfer window, Ten Hag rebuffs suggestions of naivety, citing the complexities involved in procuring top-tier strikers and the unforeseen developments, such as Martial’s prolonged absence. Despite intentions to reinforce the squad during the winter transfer window, logistical and financial constraints hindered United’s pursuit of suitable candidates, compounded by existing Financial Fair Play restrictions.
In light of Hojlund’s injury setback and Martial’s prolonged absence, United’s attacking options appear limited, with Scott McTominay emerging as the team’s second-highest goalscorer this season.
Additionally, the team faces defensive challenges following Luke Shaw’s recent injury, which could sideline him for an extended period. With key players such as Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Lisandro Martinez, Mason Mount, and Tyrell Malacia also sidelined, United’s depth is further tested as they navigate through a crucial phase of the season.
Ten Hag addressed the media for the first time since Sir Jim Ratcliffe acquired a 27.7% stake in United, dismissing notions that the deal escalates pressure on his managerial role in light of Ratcliffe’s aspirations for the club.
In a recent interview with BBC Sport, Ratcliffe outlined his immediate goal of aiding United in securing Champions League qualification, while expressing long-term ambitions to rival Manchester City and Liverpool’s dominance in English football.
Ten Hag affirmed, “No more pressure because we have the same ambition, we have the same targets. We are very aligned. Their ambitions fit with the ambitions I have, with the ambitions I had when I came in.”
“We are in that project now. For me, I’m 18, 19 months in and I see [things] go in the right direction. We had setbacks in the second season but you see the team coming, you see the squad progressing and developing,” he added.
While United’s recent form boasts four consecutive Premier League victories, they trail the top four by five points. “We still have to catch up in the moment where every game is a final for us because we have to be in the Champions League,” remarked Ten Hag. “The players want this, the team want this but we have to believe.”
This development comes as a significant blow to Ten Hag, especially as he strives to secure the Champions League qualification emphasized by Sir Jim Ratcliffe as pivotal for United’s season.
Furthermore, it prompts scrutiny regarding Ten Hag’s approach to summer recruitment and his strategic priorities.
By solely acquiring Hojlund, United’s primary cover for the central striker position rested on Anthony Martial, whose recent performances and injury record raised doubts about his suitability for supporting the club’s season objectives.
With Martial facing an extended spell on the sidelines until April due to groin surgery, Ten Hag now heavily relies on Marcus Rashford, whose form has been inconsistent this season, to step into the breach.
Additionally, there’s an expectation for Antony, who has struggled to make an impact, to elevate his game, as Ten Hag frequently urges. However, there’s uncertainty regarding their ability to meet these expectations.
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