Erik ten Hag insists that Manchester United won’t be “burning money” in January by signing the wrong striker.
After a challenging beginning to his tenure as Red Devils manager, Ten Hag’s team has been significantly better lately and, despite lacking options up front, is currently fourth in the Premier League after three straight league victories.
Prior to his explosive interview with Piers Morgan and the mutual termination of his contract, Cristiano Ronaldo was in and out of the team, while Anthony Martial had a history of injuries.
But despite the need for a center-forward to support United’s effort to qualify for the Champions League, Ten Hag believes the team must not repeat past mistakes by wasting money on the wrong striker.
“You need one who can have an impact otherwise you are just burning money,” Ten Hag told reporters. “You don’t strengthen the squad and it doesn’t help you.
“We have a good team when all are available. We have [a striker], Anthony Martial, I’m really happy with his performances across many games.
“He has had a really good impact. If you see his minutes and the impact he has had it’s been huge.”
Recalling Amad Diallo, who has six goals in 19 games while on loan at Championship team Sunderland, has been one suggestion for United to strengthen their attacking ranks.
Ten Hag is hesitant to halt Diallo’s development with the Black Cats by sending him back to Old Trafford too soon because he feels it would be wrong.
“We consider everything. I have a little reservation because I don’t want to stop the process, he is making good progress there,” Ten Hag added. “Young players need experiences.
“When we decide [he needs] to come back he has to be a player who can compete for the starting 11 or at a minimum of coming on for a lot of games to have an impact.”