BIG NAME OF THE GAME

United needed goals from proven No.9 says Big Ron

- HARRY PRATT

A PROLIFIC, proven goalscorer is the major missing element at Manchester United.

Indeed, it has been for the last six years and, until resolved, the club will continue to misfire.

That is the verdict of ex-United boss Ron Atkinson as Erik ten Hag's expensively assembled troops languish in 14th in the Premier League.

United have scored just five times, only Southampton have fewer. Yet it is not a new problem. They finished last season with a minus goal difference.

Which makes failing to fix it the biggest error of the Ten Hag era, according to Atkinson, who reigned at Old Trafford from 1981 to 1986 - a period not dissimilar to now in respect of trying to revive the fallen giants.