Erik ten Hag has told his Manchester United bosses that landing a top striker must be the priority - after admitting his dream scenario is to have two players for every position.
United are flying on fumes as they go into the FA Cup semi-final, with Ten Hag’s squad decimated by injuries, suspension, fatigue - and a lack of depth that the Dutchman insists has to be addressed in the summer.
His plans for next season are also being hampered by the lack of clarity on who will own the club next season after the Glazer family invited both takeover bids and investment offers in December.
Ten Hag’s first season in charge has already realised the Carabao Cup and the likelihood of a return to the Champions League. But Thursday night’s Europa League surrender in Seville and the lack of options left open to him for the clash with Brighton at Wembley have highlighted the need to splash the cash in the transfer market.
Ten Hag has made it clear that he is desperate for more firepower. He said: “We have to acknowledge that, especially in the frontline, we had problems during the whole season because we just didn’t have the numbers there.
“If the squad is so strong that you have in every position double the same quality, then it’s good.
“I think we have rotated during the whole season, but this season is crazy with the World Cup in between because many of our players went there. Then we played an extra round in the Europa League, so maybe we played the most games of all teams across Europe.
“The frontline for instance. It hasn’t often played the same, because of injuries and suspensions.
I think the players are, to a certain point, very capable and we have players in the squad who can really take the load of so many games. But when you play a lot of games, and the load is getting higher, you need to rotate because you have to keep the players fit and fresh.
“Then you look to the next game and you have to take decisions in a tactical approach or in a personal approach. Sometimes I can go strong in certain situations - but it’s about the timing of when to use it.”
United have lost Rafael Varane and Lisandro Martinez through injury and skipper Harry Maguire is suspended for the clash with Brighton. That means left-back Luke Shaw is likely to partner Victor Lindelof in central defence.
Alejandro Garnacho is also sidelined and although top scorer Marcus Rashford recovered his fitness enough to be used as a substitute against Sevilla, there are more concerns about Anthony Martial.
Ten Hag has identified Harry Kane as the man to lead United’s attack next season - but the Tottenham striker will come at a cost in excess of £100 million. And there must also be further reinforcements if United are to continue their progress under the Dutchman.
Ten Hag said: “I hope everyone sees that we have made progress, that we have developed. We are a different team now. I think, as I said, we have made progress. But also we know that we have more steps to go - and that’s quite clear.
“But one of the things that we haven’t had is the opportunity to play so often with the same team. When you miss players, you have to find solutions and you look for the best solution for the moment. You have to look short term but also, of course, in the longer term as well.
“In this moment, when you play a semi-final, you only have one opportunity - so you’re looking for the best team for that moment.”
