Aheed Abrar
Jaap Stam advises Manchester United not to buy a new striker after the departure of Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo
Manchester United icon Jaap Stam has advised the club not to sign a new striker after the untimely departure of Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese star left the Red Devils after his contract was mutually terminated.
The Old Trafford side are now left with only one natural option in Anthony Martial to play as a number nine. However, the 26-year-old has struggled with injuries in the current campaign.
Speaking to Boyle Sports (h/t Manchester Evening News), Stam, who spent three fruitful years at the Manchester-based club, believes the youngsters at the gaffer’s disposal have done well.
“There are a lot of promising players already at the club so if I were Manchester United, I wouldn’t spend money [on a new striker] yet. Marcus Rashford has been doing well, he creates a lot of chances.
“Anthony Martial can also be very important if he stays fit, but the club does need to buy another striker. However, I’d prioritise putting my confidence in the current players before spending a lot of money on a new number nine.”
As a result, Erik ten hag has preferred playing Marcus Rashford up top in United’s starting lineup for most of the season. The 25-year-old has done well, considering he is a natural winger.
The England international seems to have found his feet once again under the Dutch manager. In 19 appearances in all competitions for the Red Devils in the 2022/23 campaign, the academy graduate has scored eight goals, the most by a player in the squad.
Rashford has also carried his form into the World Cup with the Three Lions. The 25-year-old got on the scoresheet for Gareth Southgate’s team against Iran and Wales during the group stages.
Ten Hag has other exciting youngsters to call upon as well. Alejandro Garnacho has been a revelation in the Old Trafford side’s last few fixtures. The Argentine youngster has come in clutch for the Dutch manager this term.
Antony signed for United in the recent transfer window from Ajax. The 22-year-old has made an immediate impact at the Manchester-based club with his performances. The gaffer can also rely on Anthony Elanga.
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However, while most of our attackers have been impressive, we still evidently need a clinical striker. Martial’s fitness issues are uncertain and Rashford leaves a lot to be desired in front of goal. Thus, it would be wise for the club to invest in the forward line in January and give Ten Hag an attack that he can afford to play week in, week out without much rotation.
