Such is the rebuilding job that new Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag took on when he was appointed in April that, despite the splurge of more than £200m, there are quite a few gaps left to fill.
And as former caretaker manager Ralf Rangnick pointed out, it will take a few more transfer windows to iron out all the issues plaguing the club.
As far as the January window is concerned, the club’s initial plan was to focus on getting a backup right-back as competition for the ever-present Diogo Dalot.
Despite the obvious need for a striker, the club was prepared to wait until next summer before embarking on that particular saga due to the costs involved and the club’s current financial situation.
Striker needed at United
But after the acrimonious departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, Ten Hag has publicly admitted that his team is underpowered up front and needs to bring in a quality replacement.
Many names have been linked with a move to Old Trafford, including Cody Gakpo, Joao Felix, Rafael Leao and Memphis Depay.
One name that has been in the running since the summer has been Benfica ace Goncalo Ramos. And according to ESPN, “Manchester United are ready to make an inquiry regarding the availability of Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos before the January window.”
Manchester United are ready to make an inquiry regarding the availability of Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos, sources have told ESPN ???????? pic.twitter.com/mNIsOk5fLv
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) December 14, 2022
But getting the 21-year-old a deal won’t be easy given the club’s current financial conditions that were exacerbated after the summer splurge.
Ramos was initially valued at €20m before the start of the season, but his round of 16 treble with Portugal against Switzerland at the World Cup has ensured that his price has risen significantly.
Ramos’ price hike could cost United
And that’s where ESPN delivers the worst news of all. Sources have told the website that despite ten Hag believing “the team is low on firepower following Ronaldo’s departure and would like the club to explore the options available to them, manager Erik ten Hag has been told It is not certain that a striker will arrive after a month.”
Club sources have indicated that “there are significant budgetary restrictions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and a disbursement in transfers higher than expected last summer.”
It remains to be seen if the club is actively looking for any forwards in January after this very worrying update.
It is very apparent that United need a striker as they are the second fewest goalscoring team in the top half of the Premier League, a problem that could end up costing United and Ten Hag in the long run.
