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Despite bringing in Joshua Zirkzee in the summer, Manchester United’s struggles infront of goal have continued this season as well with the Red Devils netting only five goals in as many Premier League games thus far.
Profligacy and a lack of cutting edge saw the Red Devils fail to get all three points against Crystal Palace last week and versus FC Twente in the Europa League in midweek.
The new Dutch recruit has shown flashes of genius, especially when it comes to linking up play, but he lacks that killer instinct inside the box.
Erik ten Hag has asked for patience with the former Bologna ace who has had to play in almost all games thus far due to Rasmus Hojlund’s pre-season injury.
Striker shortage
Even the Dane had struggled initially when he first arrived but ended up as the club’s top scorer last season but it was clear that the manager was over-reliant on him which did not allow him to play freely.
The only other specialist striker at the former Ajax coach’s disposal at the moment is academy ace Ethan Wheatley and Ten Hag is reluctant to throw him into the deep end and rightly so.
It would have made sense for the 20-time English league champions to add another forward in the summer but defensive additions meant they had to be content with Zirkzee.
Now as per the very reliable David Ornstein of The Athletic, United are likely to address their attack in the coming windows with multiple additions expected.
Speaking on the Back Pages podcast (via GMS), Ornstein said, “Erik Ten Hag’s still trying to impose some sort of style and identity, and gel some of these new players into the team.
Attacking additions expected
“Zirkzee was the only attacking signing, and you did feel a bit more was needed there. They will look to subsequent windows to improve in that department, and get players back fit, like Rasmus Hojlund, of course.”
Hojlund’s return to fitness is likely to see him start games and Ten Hag will hope the Denmark international can help his team bang in the goals in the games to come.
United’s lack of goals can also be attributed to Bruno Fernandes’ poor form with the talisman yet to net a single goal this campaign.
Despite his underperformance, Ten Hag will not drop him with huge league games against Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa up next while the club travel to Portugal to face Porto in their next Europa League game.
Feature image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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2024-09-27 21:30:37
