Striker light...United must add firepower during summer window

AFTER Marcus Rashford established himself as United's most reliable source of goals in 2022/23, the club's aim for the 2023 summer transfer window was clear sign a striker.

- GEORGE SMITH

They did just that, landing Rasmus Hojlund from Italian outfit Atalanta for an initial fee of £64million.

The Reds had been unable to rely on a prolific No.9 in Erik ten Hag's first season in charge and they felt Hojlund was the ideal candidate to join forces with Rashford and spear head the attack. Despite's Rashford's drop-off, Hojlund ended his debut season at Old Trafford with 16 goals to his name.

While it was by no means a blistering return, it was most certainly respectable.

But Rashford's tally of eight goals in all competitions meant there was an increase in pressure on the Dane to deliver the goods. However, arriving in England as a 20-year-old, United had to manage expectations.

Fortunately, United's midfielders stepped up this season, with Bruno Fernandes, Scott McTominay, Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount, Christian Eriksen, Hannibal Mejbri and

Casemiro scoring 38 goals between them. Considering Fernandes is the only member of that group who is an out-and-out attacking midfielder, it was an impressive haul from the engine room.