Man Utd Won’t “Burn” Money On Someone That Cannot Make Impact – Erik ten Hag

Manchester United won’t spend a fortune on a new striker. Any reinforcements in January must provide value, according to the Old Trafford manager; Erik ten Hag.

After Cristiano Ronaldo left, Erik ten Hag stated last month that he was interested in bringing in a striker. However, after witnessing Cody Gakpo’s transfer to Liverpool, Ten Hag vowed that United would not waste their money on players who would not benefit the team.

“You need one who can have an impact otherwise you are just burning money, you don’t strengthen the squad and it doesn’t help you,” he said, ahead of Tuesday’s visit to Bournemouth.

“We have a good team when all are available. We have (a number nine), Anthony Martial, I’m really happy with his performances across many games.

“He has had a really good impact. If you see his minutes and the impact he has had it’s been huge.”

Although the United manager acknowledged he is reticent to call up Amad Diallo from his loan at Sunderland to increase his striker options. In 12 starts in the Championship for the Black Cats, the 20-year-old has scored six goals.

“We consider everything. I have a little reservation because I don’t want to stop the process, he is making good progress there,” said Ten Hag.

“When we decide (he needs) to come back he has to be a player who can compete for the starting 11 or at a minimum of coming on for a lot of games to have an impact.”

Ten Hag, meantime, thinks that Luke Shaw can excel for United as their center-back.

The England left-back might start in the middle of defense against Bournemouth after helping the Red Devils defeat Wolves 1-0 on New Year’s Eve.

Lisandro Martinez has resumed training and could be ready, but if the World Cup champion from Argentina is unable to travel, Ten Hag has no qualms about using Shaw once more.

“You have a plan, sometimes it changes by circumstances like illnesses. Casemiro did well at center-half, like Shaw against Forest,” Ten Hag said.

“The way we were to approach Wolves, I thought it was the best match with Rafa (Varane) and Luke, you know the speed of Wolves over the right side and he could cover that. We wanted to attack on the left side with an offensive game from Tyrell Malacia and, in possession with a left footer, you get better angles on the pitch.

“He was impressive but he is also good as a left full-back. It’s an extra option which is always good.”