Erik ten Hag says Manchester United will do ‘every little thing in our energy’ to signal a substitute for Cristiano Ronaldo within the January switch window.
It is understood that PSV Eindhoven’s £50million-rated Cody Gakpo is a number one goal, whereas Ten Hag is an admirer of Benfica striker Gonçalo Ramos who has taken Ronaldo’s place in Portugal’s beginning line-up on the World Cup.
United have a emptiness within the squad after ripping up Ronaldo’s contract and clearing his £500,000-a-week wage off the wage invoice.
Cristiano Ronaldo had his Man United contract terminated final month by mutual consent
Erik ten Hag is eager so as to add one other striker to his squad subsequent month to switch Ronaldo
Nonetheless, Ten Hag insisted on Saturday that United will solely signal a brand new striker if the fitting participant is accessible. Sources say the value would additionally must be proper, however careworn that United wouldn’t go for an inexpensive possibility who would not enhance the squad within the long-term.
Talking in regards to the prospect of signing a substitute for Ronaldo subsequent month, Ten Hag stated: ‘Sure however solely after we discover the fitting participant.
‘We do every little thing in our energy. We’re doing analysis on each alternative and we do every little thing we will if that chance is there to contract them.’ United held talks with PSV over Gakpo in the summertime and it is believed they’re able to re-open discussions.
The 6ft 4in ahead, who scored three targets in Holland’s run to the quarter-finals in Qatar, can play huge or as a centre-forward.
United are monitoring PSV and Holland ahead Cody Gakpo after his spectacular World Cup
The Pink Devils are additionally occupied with signing Portugal ahead Goncalo Ramos
Ten Hag, who has already signed three gamers from Dutch golf equipment since taking on at United, responded to the Gakpo hypothesis by saying: ‘I can’t give feedback on particular gamers. I’ll by no means do this.
‘Gamers have contracts and I respect that, however ensure that we’re working within the background to get the fitting gamers in.’ Ramos is one other participant on Ten Hag’s radar. The 21-year-old scored a hat-trick for Portugal of their 6-1 win over Switzerland within the final 16 of the World Cup after changing Ronaldo, and stored his place for yesterday’s quarter-final in opposition to Morocco.
Ten Hag additionally believes Anthony Martial will grow to be the entire centre-forward if the Frenchman can keep freed from damage.
Martial has resurrected his Previous Trafford profession underneath the brand new supervisor regardless of being hampered by hamstring, Achilles and again issues throughout Ten Hag’s six months in cost.
‘Now we have seen when he’s accessible, he has a large influence on our recreation,’ stated the United boss.
Ten Hag is assured Anthony Martial can shine within the second half of the season if he stays match
‘He has 350 minutes, 4 targets and two assists – that is a extremely good file. In elements of his recreation like urgent, he’s doing a extremely good job for the staff linking up the play. For our staff, he is a extremely essential participant and we want that profile.
‘The primary problem for him is to be accessible and match. Firstly, he must be liable for it, however we’ve to assist him in all of the methods we will.
‘He was so upset that he had the accidents. Previously possibly he did one thing fallacious, I do not know, however now it was additionally dangerous luck.
‘Now we have to cease the method of accidents and get him – and he will get himself – in a greater place in order that he is match and accessible.’ This time final 12 months, Martial was making ready to exit on mortgage to Sevilla because it appeared his time at United was drawing to a detailed.
The previous Monaco man, who turned 27 this week, was again in Seville to guide Ten Hag’s assault on Saturday when United ended their coaching camp in Spain with a pleasant in opposition to Actual Betis.
