Erik ten Hag admits Manchester United 'need front-line players'

Manchester United fans were singing "We’ll see you in June" to Harry Kane on Thursday night as the striker’s Spurs side came from 2-0 down to draw 2-2. Kane heard it and could hardly say that he approved, but Manchester United need a No 9 and Erik ten Hag admits it.

“I think everyone knows, it’s not a secret that over the whole season we had a shortage of No 9s,” the United manager said ahead of Sunday’s visit of Aston Villa to Old Trafford when asked if he’d heard the Kane song and if a new striker was a priority for him.

“First we had the dropout of Ronaldo, then Antony Martial was often not available, Jadon Sancho was often not available, then you have a shortage of front-line players.

“With less players we have to cover many games, so definitely we need front-line players who strengthen the squad.”

When asked if it’s the hardest position to find a solution for in the transfer market, Ten Hag replied: “You can approach that from many ways. The typical No 9, [but] Rashford can also play very good as a No 9 and Anthony Martial is a great No 9. We have players who can play in that role but definitely we need some offensive players who are really impact players, quality players, who improve the front line.”

Rashford, United’s top scorer with 29 goals for his club so far this season, has been used as a No 9 in some United games.

“We worked on that,” said Ten Hag. “I think he can do both [striker and left wing], it depends on the opposition, which role is the best fit.

"It’s also the formation that’s important for him, to bring players around him and especially to bring players in the back from him in the formation, where he can make combinations and make movements. I think he’s doing that very well and I’m happy and