It has come as no great surprise that Erik ten Hag has improved Manchester United with a combination of savvy acquisitions and tactical insights drilling into his new group of players.
For the most part, the short tenure has been largely successful as the Red Devils currently sit fifth in the table, just three points out of fourth with one game to go.
The defense and midfield have been revamped and have played a big part in helping the team put up decent displays so far.
The hunt for the United striker
However, despite the resurgence of Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial’s impressive goals-per-minute ratio, the Reds are definitely struggling up front.
Initially, the club’s plan was to sign a top scorer next summer, but following the sensational departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, the need to bring in a quality replacement has become the need of the hour.
And the 20-time English league champions have been linked with a host of names, but one in particular looks like the best bet as of now.
Cody Gakpo has been a revelation for his club’s PSV Eindhoven this season. The Dutch attacker has 13 goals and 17 assists in 24 appearances in all competitions.
Gakpo will join us in January Meanwhile VVD at Anfield against us: pic.twitter.com/z2r0dZVOhn
— Killer (@RedDevi85379366) December 4, 2022
And the Dutch international has carried that form to the World Cup, scoring a goal in each of the three group stage matches and inspiring the team to reach the quarter-finals.
His impressive displays have meant that talks about his future have refused to go away with United and Real Madrid are said to be fighting for his signature.
Teammate and Liverpool star Virgil Van Dijk was asked if he felt his compatriot could take the next step in his career and move to either giant.
VVD weighs in on Gakpo transfer
And the defender seemed to mock United, saying: “Are Manchester United and Real Madrid at the same level right now?
“No disrespect, not at all. I definitely think he has that next step in him. I definitely feel like it could happen, whether it’s in the winter or the summer or next year, time will tell,” he said, as quoted by The Athletic.
The comments have not gone down well with United’s fanbase and they have criticized the Liverpool defender relentlessly on social media.
it is obvious that Van Dijk would prefer that Gakpo arrive in Spain so as not to have to face him in the same league.
One thing to remember is the fact that Gakpo had pretty much agreed to come to Old Trafford in the summer, but for the Red Devils to focus on Antony.
Ten Hag and the 23-year-old also share the same agency and that could possibly tip things in United’s favor. A resolution will most likely come after the World Cup, as hinted at by the player himself after the US match.
