Erik ten Hag may have found alternative solution to Manchester United striker problem

Pre-season is a time for fun, loosening up and experimentation.

The chance to try new ideas without fear of harmful consequences if they fail can be of massive benefit to clubs as they prepare for the full season. With any luck, they won't be completely pointless endeavours like a penalty shoot-out at the end of a match regardless of the score.

It's been a strong start to pre-season for Manchester United. A squad largely made up of reserves kicked the summer off with wins over Leeds and Lyon and the senior stars didn't upset the mood upon their returns. Now in the States for their pre-season tour, Erik ten Hag's side defeated Arsenal 2-0 in New Jersey on Saturday night.

Aside from new No.1 Andre Onana not being in goal and Casemiro watching on as his potential heir Kobbie Mainoo continued to shine in midfield, United's starting XI was strong and pretty close to what you'd expect to see in the first game of the campaign against Wolves. That is, of course, apart from the man leading the line... or is it?

Also read: United player ratings vs Arsenal

The arrivals of Onana and Mason Mount should see United build upon the significant progress that was made last season but a glaring void remains in the squad up front. The fact United played the majority of last season without a quality striker makes what Ten Hag achieved even more impressive.

Cristiano Ronaldo obviously didn't suit the manager's style and left in a huff in December, Wout Weghorst was not good enough and Anthony Martial spent most of the season in the treatment room. United lacked a spearhead, a focal point and if it wasn't for Rashford's roaring return to form it's unlikely a Champions League place would have been secured.

The majority of Rashford's 30 goals