Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, has recently hinted at the possibility of deploying Jadon Sancho as the central striker for the team. This decision comes in light of the injury to Rasmus Hojlund, who is expected to be out for six weeks due to a hamstring injury. During the pre-season games, Sancho was experimented in the No. 9 role and could potentially start in that position in upcoming matches.
The Role of Joshua Zirkzee
Despite the arrival of new signing Joshua Zirkzee, who is a promising talent at £36.5 million, he is still in the process of adjusting to the team after returning from his summer break. This leaves an opportunity for Sancho to showcase his versatility by playing as a false striker. While Zirkzee is a notable addition to the squad, his adaptation to English football and the team’s playing style will take some time.
Another alternative to fill the gap left by Hojlund is Marcus Rashford, who has previously played as a striker. However, ten Hag seems to prefer Rashford in his usual role on the left, where he can cut inside and be more productive. With Bruno Fernandes also capable of playing as a striker, the team has multiple options to explore in the attacking department.
Despite the talent upfront, Manchester United faced challenges in scoring goals last season. They managed to find the net only 57 times in the Premier League, making them one of the lowest scorers in the top half of the table. The recent defeat against Liverpool highlighted the need for more clinical finishing, with players like Sancho, Rashford, McTominay, and Mount missing crucial opportunities.
An Emphasis on Efficiency
According to ten Hag, the key to success lies in being more clinical and efficient in front of goal. While the team might create good chances, it is essential to capitalize on them to secure victories. The manager emphasized the importance of finishing chances and converting opportunities to achieve positive results on the field.
Final Thoughts
Manchester United’s striker situation is undergoing an evolution with the potential deployment of Jadon Sancho as the central striker. The temporary absence of Rasmus Hojlund provides an opportunity for other players to step up and showcase their abilities. With a focus on goal-scoring efficiency and tactical flexibility, the team is gearing up for the upcoming challenges in the Premier League season. It will be interesting to see how the new tactical approach unfolds and whether it leads to improved results on the pitch.