Erik ten Hag makes major transfer admission after tearing into Man Utd players after Real Madrid loss

Erik ten Hag criticised Manchester United’s players for two major factors in their pre-season loss to Real Madrid and admits that signing a new striker is now paramount.

United lost 2-0 to Madrid in Houston and they have only scored four goals in their four senior matches so far in pre-season, with the need for a new No.9 clear for all to see again.

A report in the Manchester Evening News has revealed that club sources are convinced a striker will be signed before the transfer window closes on September 1. However, Ten Hag was clearly unhappy at how wasteful his team were against the LaLiga giants.

When asked if the performance highlighted United’s need for a new central attacker, he replied: “Absolutely. Two things: the pressing can be better from the start and scoring goals. And I think we need more players who are capable to be in the one-on-ones.

“We had the situations: it was (Marcus) Rashford, Scott McTominay, (Alejandro) Garnacho, you have to score. It’s always difficult to see… but we are working 24/7. We do a lot in the club, all the power to get this done.”

However, in terms of who could come in and fill that role immediately, the Dutchman was playing his cards close to his chest.

Atalanta star Rasmus Hjolund continues to be the name most likely to make the switch to Old Trafford and Ten Hag admits that the club are working hard to get a new player on board.

He added: “We never talk about players under contract with another club, we have our targets, we are 24/7, we are busy with it, with the right player to sign a contract with us.”

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Injury blow for United as Ten Hag reflects on loss

United conceded after only six minutes against Madrid with 10 men as Kobbie Mainoo was forced off injured. The young midfielder left the NRG Stadium on crutches and with a protective boot on his left foot.

And while Ten Hag disputed Jude Bellingham’s goal at the time, it appeared he was played onside by Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Joselu then secured Madrid’s victory with an 89th-minute volley.

“Well, for us it was a bad start, straight injury for Kobbie Mainoo, he has to get off and then we are outnumbered and straight away concede a goal,” Ten Hag added. “Offside? Onside? It’s very difficult to see.

“But then I think we have seen again, head to head, of course Real Madrid are a very good team, very good football players but we created some very good chances. We have to be more clinical and we should score goals from those situations, I think we had a couple of them, three or four very good chances, but we didn’t.

“But we stayed in the game until the last minute but conceded the second. Overall, I have seen some good stuff and from this we know we are in the right direction against a good opponent, against a complicated system, I am happy about it.”

United are back in pre-season action on Monday when they take on Borussia Dortmund in the last match of their US tour.

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