Erik ten Hag admits that Man United ‘absolutely’ need new striker

'You have to score'

United are currently in talks with Atalanta's Rasmus Hojlund but the two remain far apart when it comes to negotiating a deal.

Harry Kane is also said to be on their radar but Tottenham's £100m valuation is proving to be a stumbling block and it is unclear as to whether or not United can afford the fee.

Speaking after his side's 2-0 defeat to Real Madrid on Wednesday night, the Dutchman reiterated their need to strengthen in the forward position.

"Absolutely," he said. "I think we need more players capable to be one-on-one. We had the situations. It was (Marcus) Rashford, Scott McTominay and (Alejandro) Garnacho. You have to score.

"We created some very good chances but we have to be more clinical and score goals from those situations. We had a couple of them – three or four good chances – but we stayed in the game until the last minute and then conceded the second goal.

"It's always difficult to see. It's like looking in the (crystal ball) but we are working 24/7. We’ll do all in power to get this done."

Ten Hag also refused to speak about Hojlund directly when asked what stage the move was at.

He continued: "We never talk about players under contract with another club. We have our targets. We are 24/7, we are busy with it, with the right player to sign a contract with us."

Last season United scored less goals than the rest of the top six and have so far brought in Andre Onana and Mason Mount as their two signings this summer.

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