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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Samuel Luckhurst

Erik ten Hag clarifies Scott McTominay role at Manchester United after goals vs Spain

Erik ten Hag has hinted Wout Weghorst will continue to lead the line for Manchester United despite the return of Anthony Martial.

Weghorst has started in all 18 matches he has been available for since he arrived on loan from Burnley on January 13 and Martial has been absent for every one of them.

Although United have only lost two games since they signed Weghorst, the Dutchman has scored two goals - both rebounds - against Nottingham Forest and Real Betis in cup matches.

Also read: United give update on Rashford's fitness and future

Weghorst failed to register for the Netherlands in their European Championship qualifying defeat to France and win over Gibraltar, whereas Scott McTominay plundered four goals in Scotland's victories against Cyprus and Spain.

McTominay played as a striker for the United youth team and was thrown on up front by Ten Hag with United 1-0 down at Chelsea in October but Ten Hag considers him a midfielder.

"He can play in many roles," Ten Hag noted. "It's clear he has scoring capabilities. Also this season for us he's a really good finisher. But I see him as a midfielder.

"So I think I'm happy with Wout is doing. Because when Wout is in the team the team is performing better."

Bruno Fernandes became the second United player to break into double figures with his two goals against Fulham in the FA Cup quarter-final win but he is still 17 behind Marcus Rashford, who has tallied a career-best 27 strikes this term.

United intend to sign a first-choice striker next season and Ten Hag has earmarked Harry Kane as his prime target. Ten Hag indicated United are planning for recruitment next season.

"I think we have players like Bruno, like Jadon Sancho, like Anthony Martial, like Scott McTominay, like Antony dos Santos, we have enough players with the capabilities to score goals, definitely," Ten Hag added.

"What I said previously, I work in the back on next season but we're working now on this season, so first of all make sure everyone is available and keep improving the way of play and that's the best chance of scoring more goals."

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