Manchester United Need Reinforcement In The Forward Department

As Manchester United finalise their first summer dealings in Tyrell Malacia and Frenkie de Jong, as well as waiting for a final decision on Christian Eriksen, Erik Ten Hag will be focussed on bringing a forward to bolster the club’s attack.

The Red Devils have been public in their approach for AFC Ajax’s Antony, but a deal looks to be dragging by the wayside the Dutch club demanding up to £70 million for the Brazil international.

Villareal’s Arnaut Danjuma has also been mentioned inside Manchester United for a summer transfer, but West Ham currently lead the way in prizing him from Spain in a deal worth circa £35 million.

With only Cristiano Ronaldo leading the line as things stand next season, Ten Hag is desperately light in the centre forward department. The Dutch manager has communicated to the board that he would prefer a versatile forward that can play in all three forward positions, rather than an out-and-out number nine.

Marcus Rashford is being tipped for a run through the middle in pre-season in order to see if he has the capabalities to play there in a Ten Hag system, but with the departures of Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard, as well as Anthony Martial likely to be moved on, Man United need to bring in at least one forward reinforcement.

Jadon Sancho, Anthony Elanga and Rashford are the three wingers currently in the building that will be battling out for places, while Ronaldo remains alone leading the team through the middle.

The likes of Tahith Chong, Facundo Pellistri and Amad Diallo are poised to go back out on loan next season for further experience before coming back into the building to either be sold on or properly integrated into the first team.

While £70 million is likely to be too much out of this summer’s budget, Manchester United have made it clear that Antony is a player they admire and would like to bring to Old Trafford.

The Brazilian has showcased his ability in the Eredivisie over the course of the past two seasons, creating 42 goal involvements in 78 appearances. For a player that had no prior experience to European football, Antony demonstrated his ability to understand the game quickly and adapt accordingly.

With other positions being made a priority above that of a forward this summer, it is likely going to roll into the end of the summer transfer window to conclude a suitable deal for Antony or another top target for the Red Devils.

There is plenty of time to go, but Ten Hag will be kncoking the door down each passing day as he begins to undertake his pre season training with Manchester United.