Manchester United still need another forward even if they sign Antony

The summer transfer window closes a week today and, despite an uplifting win over Liverpool, Erik ten Hag remains eager to add to his side before deadline day.

It is refreshing that, rather than viewing Monday’s victory as an opportunity to paper over the cracks, the United manager is still keen for reinforcement, with him well aware that greater squad depth will be needed in the coming weeks and months.

At the top of Ten Hag’s list now is a new versatile forward, with Ajax ace Antony his priority, a player who can bring much-needed balance to an often lob-sided attack.

MORE ON THE DEAL: United plan fresh Antony bid

The Brazilian is viewed as a perfect fit for their current fluid forward line, someone who could replace any of Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford or Jadon Sancho in the line up when required, and whose trickery could also hold the key to unlocking stubborn defences when introduced from the bench.

Silky skills and swift step overs can often make the difference in the closing moments of matches, but just as important can be sturdy steel and having the brute force and physical presence to breakdown a defiant defensive line.

It means United are in a similar position to the one they were in under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer two years ago as well. United had been excelling with an interchanging attacking line, but the Norwegian identified a need for something different, a more static forward option who would lurk between the goal posts.

"We need more goalscorers. We need more goals. That's a definite," the former United manager said back in January 2020.

"I need someone who wants to break their nose to score a goal, or their toe. It doesn't have to be the nice ones. We know that."

They tried, and failed, to sign Salomon