Timo Werner move would show how desperate Manchester United have become

The very fact Manchester United are in the market for another striker this month shows just how desperate they have become already.

A lot of pressure was put on the shoulders of Rasmus Hojlund when he signed last summer and although there have been encouraging signs, he was almost certain to fail to live up to the unfair expectations.

He is clearly a very talented striker with the raw attributes to become one of the best, but his job description as the main striker at United demands a goal return and level of consistency that can't be expected from a player of his experience.

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Hojlund's great selling point is his huge potential. But it is only that: potential. He is not a world-class striker yet and he will only become one if given the time to get better at a club conducive to facilitating his needs.

The Danish forward not only needs support from the wingers and midfielders who have underperformed so far this season, but he also needs to share the burden in attack, something he hasn't been afforded so far this season.

Erik ten Hag experimented with using false nines in pre-season as another option given they were only likely to sign one striker, while Anthony Martial has offered little support and Marcus Rashford remains far better in his preferred left wing role.

Hojlund is still suffering from the burden placed upon him and so too are United. There is hope that his goal against Aston Villa can now open the floodgates, but they still need another option to call upon, given that it is unlikely.

The dilemma this month is just how desperately they need another striker. Financial Fair Play regulations