Erik Ten Hag's Belief In Manchester United Forward's Could Allow Transfer Focus Elsewhere

On the eve of the opening of the summer transfer window, reports say that Manchester United will only add to their attacking options if the right player is available, with Erik ten Hag believing that the current strike force can turn their fortunes around under him.

This comes at a time where Manchester United are being strongly linked to the likes of Frankie de Jong and Christian Eriksen, showing ten Hag’s Intentions to bolster the club's midfield. It has been seen as their weakest area for many years now.

The Dutchman in the United hot seat has been eyeing up potential forward options but the reported shortlist only contains players he deems competent for his play style.

The most notable names on this list being his former Ajax player Antony and Benfica sensation Darwin Núñez, although the Uruguayan seems to be heading to Liverpool as he wants to play Champions League football.

Antony is one of Ten Hag’s success stories and is a disciple of his way of football. A tricky left footed right winger who isn't afraid of embarrassing defenders.

The Brazilian is made from a similar mould to Jadon Sancho, however he also possesses electrifying pace, something which is useful for Erik ten Hag’s fast and attractive play.

Yet, it isn't out with the old and in with the new and the new boss make this clear in his first interview as United manager which he said:

“A year before this team was second in the league, so the potential is there. Learn the lessons from this season, we have to analyse clearly what went wrong.”

One of the obvious flaws for last season was United's goal scoring, having only scored 57 goals in 38 games which ranked the Red Devils eighth in the Premier League for goals scored.

31.5% of these goals were scored by one man, Cristiano Ronaldo. Ten Hag Has been very vocal with his praise about the striker and his eagerness to work with the Portuguese legend.

Ten Hag's attacking play style will only benefit United's number seven, but should mean that the goals are shared around the team more.

Two players that seem perfect to thrive under ten Hag are Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho.

Sancho, As mentioned earlier on, is similar to United transfer target Antony who was one of ten Hag’s key attacking players during many successful seasons at Ajax.

The 22-year-old has struggled somewhat since joining United from Borussia Dortmund last summer as he is failing to execute the street football skills that made Manchester United pay just over £76 million for him consistently, However, this looks like it can easily change for the better with Erik ten Hag in charge.

It is reported that Marcus Rashford has rejected moves away from Old Trafford as he wants to prove himself to the new manager at Old Trafford.

Rashford hasn't been the same since his shoulder surgery after the Euros and this is shown by the forward only finding the net five times in 32 games.

Part of the problem seems to be he is trying too much, ten Hag and his assistant Mitchell van der Gaag could be the ailment needed for this mental block as part of their coaching style is pulling individual players to one side and talking through their specific problems and how to improve.

Erik ten Hag’s transfer policy seems really promising so far as his main goal is trying to fix the glaring weakness that United have in the centre of the park; rather than signing potentially difficult forwards to force into a team that is already approaching a surplus in that position. 

As a club in recent years that seems to sign a player because of their name, especially in the attacking positions, this is a nice change to have a manager who wants to work with what he's inherited. It's exciting to see a potential drastic change in goal scoring in the near future.