Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has finally addressed the controversial transfer of Cody Gakpo to Liverpool.
In explosive news yesterday, news broke that Liverpool had hijacked United’s search for Gakpo and were leading the race for him.
PSV Eindhoven later confirmed in a statement that they had reached an agreement with the Merseyside club over a fee for Gakpo, who was United’s main attacking target.
Ten Hag spoke to the press after United’s thrashing at Nottingham Forest, where his side produced an attacking masterclass, beating three of their opponents.
The team picked up where they left off against Fulham and secured all three points thanks to goals from Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Fred.
Ten Hag was questioned about Gakpo’s unexpected move to Liverpool. He said: “I am not talking about individual cases. We are looking for a striker, he would be good with so many games to come. We want to stay in all the leagues we are playing in and you need numbers in the squad”.
Ten Hag on Cody Gakpo moving to #LFC: “I’m not talking about individual cases. We are looking for a forward, it would be good with so many games to come. We want to stay in all the leagues we are playing in and you need numbers in the team.” #MUFC
— Shamoon Hafez (@ShamoonHafez) December 27, 2022
The United manager reiterated his need for attacking reinforcements and commented that the club must dive into the market to find the right profile that fits their style of play and the spirit of United.
“We are always in the market, but it has to match the sporting and economic criteria. We will do what we can to bring the player we need.”
Ten Hag on the transfer window: “We are always on the market, but it has to match the sporting and financial criteria. We will do what we can to bring in the player we need.” #MUFC
— Shamoon Hafez (@ShamoonHafez) December 27, 2022
Speaking about the win against Forest, Ten Hag revealed that he spoke to his players at half time regarding his completion.
The Dutchman said he was not satisfied with the clinical nature of his team in front of goal and made sure they were aware of it.
“I said this to the players in the dressing room, we have to score more goals, we created a lot of chances and we have to finish the game early. You have to be more clinical and our players can score more. We have to be ruthless.”
Ten Hag: “I said this to the players in the dressing room, we have to score more goals, we create a lot of chances and we have to finish the game earlier. You have to be more clinical and our players can score more. We have to be ruthless.” #MUFC
— Shamoon Hafez (@ShamoonHafez) December 27, 2022
The United manager also urged his players to continue developing and maintaining their high level. He praised them for their growth and progress from game to game.
