Sir Alex Ferguson feels Manchester United need new striker despite Marcus Rashford
Manchester United icon Sir Alex Ferguson feels the Red Devils need a new striker despite the red-hot goal-scoring form of Marcus Rashford at the moment.
The 25-year-old has been relied upon by Erik ten Hag this season to consistently find the back of the net. Apart from the England international, none of our other forwards has contributed considerably up top.
Speaking to Sky Sports (h/t Daily Mail), Ferguson, who managed the Old Trafford side for 27 years, believes Rashford is not a number nine despite his current displays. The former Scottish head coach has urged the club to invest in the attack
“I don’t think he’s a striker. He operates away from the left-hand side and has been fantastic. His finishing is always good, always keeps his shots down – which is really important for a striker – and is in a great vein of form.
“Unfortunately for us, he’s the main source of goals – we could do with an extra one, but he’s doing it.”
During his time, the 81-year-old had the likes of Eric Cantona, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Andy Cole, Dwight Yorke and Wayne Rooney, amongst others, at his disposal.
At the moment, Ten Hag has only two natural strikers in his squad—Anthony Martial and Wout Weghorst. The former AS Monaco star has been unavailable for most of the season due to fitness issues.
In the current campaign, the France international has made just 14 appearances in all competitions. The 27-year-old has been unable to complete 90 minutes in any competitive match since the arrival of the Dutch manager.
A moment you dream of all your life! Scoring for the club, you support in a cup final 🏆That one is for the fans ❤️ pic.twitter.com/TeEafl2ldg
— Marcus Rashford (@MarcusRashford) February 26, 2023
As for Weghorst, he was signed by United in the previous transfer window on loan until the end of the season. Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure had left a void in the forward line and the Holland international was seen as the short-term solution.
While Ten Hag can also call upon Jadon Sancho, Antony, Alejandro Garnacho and Anthony Elanga, it has been Rashford who has shouldered the burden of our attack.
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In 38 appearances in all competitions, the England international has scored 25 goals and has provided nine assists. Long may the 25-year-old’s form continue. But Ferguson is correct; we should add a prolific striker to the squad next summer.