Man United vs Liverpool: Transfer Priorities as Ten Hag Eyes Centre-Forward

Waseem Ayub August 4, 2024Last Updated: August 4, 2024

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Man United vs Liverpool: Transfer Priorities as Ten Hag Eyes Centre-Forward With the transfer window closing in 26 days, Manchester United must urgently address their need for a centre-forward. Ivan Toney, in the final year of his contract with Brentford, emerges as a crucial target.

Man United vs Liverpool: A Stark Reminder of Offensive Woes

Manchester United’s recent 3-0 defeat to Liverpool highlighted their ongoing struggles in front of goal. Erik ten Hag’s third season is about to start, and the absence of Rasmus Hojlund due to a hamstring injury further exacerbates the issue. With Hojlund sidelined for six weeks, United’s attacking options are limited to Joshua Zirkzee, a new £36.5 million signing from Bologna who has yet to feature.

Zirkzee’s potential debut could come in the Community Shield against Manchester City, but Ten Hag might hesitate to rely on him from the start. Jadon Sancho, who is still recovering from an extended period out of the team, might be called upon as a makeshift striker. However, Sancho struggled against Liverpool, missing a key header and failing to make an impact.

Marcus Rashford’s form is inconsistent; he scored 30 goals in Ten Hag’s debut season but only eight last year. Meanwhile, Antony and Amad Diallo, while promising, have yet to establish themselves as reliable goal-scorers.

Man United vs Liverpool: Defensive and Attacking Challenges

United’s defense remains a concern, especially after their recent failed bid for Bayern Munich defenders Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazrouai. The injury to Leny Yoro has further strained the back line. Despite this, the pressing need is to secure a centre-forward who can consistently score goals.

Liverpool’s efficient attacking play in their victory over United demonstrated the need for a potent striker. United has been struggling to find the net, finishing as the lowest scorers among the Premier League’s top six teams in Ten Hag’s first season and failing to significantly improve last season.

With Hojlund set to return only after the September international break and Zirkzee yet to prove himself, bringing in a proven striker like Toney could be vital. Toney, with 36 goals in 83 Premier League appearances for Brentford, offers the experience and goal-scoring ability that United desperately needs. Brentford is unlikely to let him leave for free next summer, making now the ideal time for United to act.