Louis Saha has urged Erik ten Hag to make tough decisions at Manchester United this summer in replacing Wout Weghorst and David De Gea.
United face a summer of big changes come June, with Ten Hag keen on revamping his squad in preparation for a Premier League title challenge. MEN Sport understands that the Dutchman is targeting at least two major signings during the off-season window, with a world-class goalscorer top of the list.
Harry Kane has been earmarked as the prime target to lead United's line next season, with Victor Osimhen also a point of interest. The eagerness to land a big-money striker comes following a disappointing few months for Wout Weghorst in front of goal, the Burnley loanee scoring just two goals in 14 games.
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“Harry Kane is my favourite striker in the Premier League, and I have no doubt that he’d fit perfectly at Manchester United," Saha told Paddy Power. "He’d be on the scoresheet immediately and as he knows the league well, he wouldn’t need to adapt.
“Victor Osimhen is another striker we’ve seen that is linked with Manchester United and I believe that he’s a United fan, which would work nicely. It’s clear to see that with the style of play that Erik Ten Hag likes to play, there is room for improvement in the striker position.
“I don’t see Wout Weghorst being a threat up top on his own, like what we’ve seen in the past with Andy Cole and Ruud van Nistelrooy, who could score goals on their own, and that’s not the strength of Weghorst.”
De Gea's future remains uncertain, with the veteran goalkeeper in the final few months of a contract that expires this summer. The 32-year-old has been a staple at Old Trafford since 2011, and despite noises of confidence from both player and club that a new, short-term deal can be agreed upon, United's long-term goalkeeping future remains unclear.
Ten Hag's admission that he 'can't ignore' the Spaniard's distribution problem after the Europa League first-leg win over Real Betis last week suggests the Reds boss may look elsewhere for a shot-stopper who can better adapt to his playing style.
“It’s clear to see that Erik Ten Hag is looking for players who are confident playing the ball around the back, including using the goalkeeper," he added. "Having a keeper who can do that, and be comfortable with pressure, is what the manager wants.
“The manager isn’t asking for David de Gea to have skills and all that, but having that confidence on the ball is key, especially when the opposition is pressing high. You can see that de Gea is trying to improve and take more risks with the ball at his feet, and it’s clear to see that he’s looking to improve, so why not keep him at the club, having the competition with other goalkeepers at the club.
“Manchester United need to make a decision on the goalkeeper situation, but I do think they should find a replacement for David de Gea either this summer or next.”
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