Manchester United Striker Crisis, Erik Ten Hag Cornered

JAKARTA - Rasmus Hojlund had to be sidelined for three weeks due to a muscle injury. Manchester United is confused about finding a replacement for the Danish striker who is performing well.

Anthony Martial is also still absent after undergoing groin surgery in January 2024.

Now, the spearhead of the Red Devils remains Marcus Rashford and Omari Forson. However, the last name is still too young, 19 years old.

Erik ten Hag as team manager is cornered. He is considered by the public unable to recruit new strikers in the January 2024 stock exchange.

However, the Dutchman doesn't want to be blamed when Manchester United is in a crisis at this time.

He assessed that Financial Fair Play rules also affect the sluggishness of team transfer activities in January 2024.

Not to mention the entry of a new minority shareholder, Sir Jim Radcliffe, who is very strict about finance.

Ten Hag also attacked people who accused him of destroying the composition of the team for bringing in new players.

"The striker's option is the most difficult to fill. Especially at our level."

"We had two strikers. Martial did great things last season. He also got high pay at this club."

"When you bring other people in, you attack us. So, there are a lot of arguments not to do it (transfer)."

"Then, Marcus can play very well in the front position. So, actually we have three strikers in our squad," said Ten Hag at The Sun.

As is known, Ten Hag was accused of being the culprit behind the stagnation of Martial's career at Old Trafford.

He continued to give place to Hojlund who was brought in with a dowry of 64 million pounds.

Criticism of Ten Hag arose because Hojlund, who always got the main place, could not show his sharpness.

However, the conditions are different now. Hojlund is already in progress. This situation made Martial included in the sale list when entering the transfer market.

The problem is, Ten Hag has not made an alternative when something happens to Hojlund. Martial is not a suitable coating option because he is often injured.

Instead of wanting to reduce criticism by proving Hojlund's appearance, Ten Hag is even faced with a new problem at this time.

He was cornered again when he couldn't install Hojlund in the next few matches. If Martial is available, his motivation will certainly decrease after being marginalized.

"I got news about Martial in early January and really tried to get another striker. FFP (Financial Fair Play) is the answer."

"We can't do it. I want to bring in a striker in winter, but that's not possible."

"We are looking for other options for dealing when Rasmus is not available," said Ten Hag.

Hojlund is likely to miss next week's FA Cup match to Nottingham Forest.

In addition, he also cannot fight in the Manchester Derby against Manchester City.

Ten Hag is racking his brain to find a solution. He will force Antony back to play on the right side even though he is not performing well.

The coach must be ready to be criticized again by posting Antony who has not been on expectations since being brought in from Ajax for 85.5 million pounds.

"He has to prove something, but he will. He has great potential, he hasn't shown it lately, but I know what his talent is," Ten Hag defended.

Alejandro Garnacho will then occupy the left so that it is possible to push Rashford as the spearhead.

Meanwhile, Manchester United really lost its sharp spearhead. Hojlund has scored six goals in a row in the last 2023/2024 Premier League.