Erik ten Hag has confirmed that Manchester United are in the market for new signings, but refused to comment on Cody Gakpo moving to Liverpool instead of Old Trafford.
Gakpo was widely expected to join Man Utd after a breakout 2022 FIFA World Cup, but in a shock turn of events, Liverpool have swooped in to sign the highly-rated forward for an initial £37m.
Speaking after his side’s comfortable 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest on Tuesday evening, Ten Hag refused to be drawn on questions regarding Gakpo’s move to arch rivals Liverpool, but he did reveal that Man Utd are in the market for new signings.
“We are always in the market but it has to match the sporting criteria but also the financial criteria and we will do what we can to bring that player in that we need,” he said.
“I don’t talk about any individual cases [Gakpo]. I am not looking at other teams, I am looking at our team. I am convinced in the players we have, individual and as a team, that we can compete with those other teams.”
During his press conference, the Man Utd manager also talked about his side’s need to be more clinical and efficient in front of goal.
“We have to score more goals. We created so many chances and it takes us until just before the end to make the third goal. We have to finish this game at an earlier moment. Just after half-time, we created two really good chances and you have to finish that game at an earlier moment. Life is going to be more easy,” Ten Hag added.
“Many games at home, you can then save more energy, so that’s better for everyone. But also for the progress of the team, you need that.”
Erik ten Hag discusses Man Utd January transfer plans - Orji-Nmah Aladin - Dec 28, 2022 1:55 pm
He is still after a ball playing midfielder, a center back cos it’s obvious he doesn’t trust Maguire,A right back, left winger and a striker.
Erik ten Hag discusses Man Utd January transfer plans - Omondi K'Osir Clinton Tatu - Dec 28, 2022 2:26 pm
Denzel Dumfries and Lautaro Mertinez should be top targets for right back and striker respectively..
Erik ten Hag discusses Man Utd January transfer plans - Ben Miller - Dec 28, 2022 4:24 pm
Agree on the priorities and I think number 4 would be a center back, I don’t see Maguire staying without getting serious minutes and also Lindelof would leave at some point. Both also don’t fit Ten hag system.
Erik ten Hag discusses Man Utd January transfer plans - Faisal Pairin - Dec 28, 2022 7:58 pm
I believe everyone can clearly see how Ten Hag runs his team and the quality of thinking in building the squad. I feel confident with him leading United
Erik ten Hag discusses Man Utd January transfer plans - Bathusi Mmolotsi - Dec 28, 2022 8:10 pm
We need that Nigerian striker from Napoli, Osimien, we need a right back to help Dalot, we need a Dejong kinda attacking central midfielder and a goalkeeper in January
Erik ten Hag discusses Man Utd January transfer plans - Neil Schofield - Dec 28, 2022 8:32 pm
Yes, CF has to be priority. Midfield if we can get the right one but AWB could develop under Eric let’s give him 12 months and see where we are with him
Erik ten Hag discusses Man Utd January transfer plans - Josie Lewis - Dec 28, 2022 10:05 pm
Goalkeeper…right back….midfielder….wide player….striker. They are the position we still need to strengthen.
Erik ten Hag discusses Man Utd January transfer plans - Nani Neluheni - Dec 28, 2022 11:33 pm
Fact that you were one of those who thought Eriksen is coming to be Bruno’s backup makes me think you not levels , everyone who understand ball knows Bruno is miles behind Eriksen, be it as an 8 or 10, Eriksen was never coming to be Bruno’s backup, he was actually coming for that 10 spot .
And based on the fact that Shaw been with us for the past 9 seasons , 12assists and 2 goals , what makes you think Malacia was signed as a backup? Lol you lot needs lot of free education when it comes to transfers and ball man
Erik ten Hag discusses Man Utd January transfer plans - Jan Vander - Dec 28, 2022 11:57 pm
I agree that first priority would be a centre forward. We have no depth there, and frankly we don’t really even have a reliable first class first choice for that position.
I disagree, however, about centre backs. Yes we have four at the moment, but one of those – Maguire – is never going to be reliable in this system. He can’t play that way, and he is going to agitate for a move, I think, if he isn’t getting regular game tme. We need cover there.
Right back, yes, we need one.
In midfield, we can probably wait till next summer if we have to, so I’d make that the lowest priority but obviously if we spot somebody good then fine.