Erik ten Hag says the “criteria is high” in Manchester United’s pursuit of striker in January

Erik ten Hag has admitted that Manchester United need a striker added to their squad in the January transfer window but stressed that the “criteria is high” when assessing the options.

Cristiano Ronaldo left Old Trafford during the World Cup after his explosive interview with Piers Morgan. That has left Ten Hag’s side short in the centre-forward position.

Marcus Rashford has been used through the middle at times this season but is at his best coming from the left. Meanwhile, there are still question marks over Anthony Martial’s fitness after being injured for the majority of the season so far.

It looked like Cody Gakpo of PSV Eindhoven would be the forward addition in January at United. However, rivals Liverpool have snatched that deal from under Ten Hag’s nose days before the transfer window opens.

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Jurgen Klopp’s side have agreed a deal with the Netherlands-based club for the 23-year-old and he will join them next month.

There were question marks over the potential signing, with Gakpo being predominately based on the left-wing with his club. He did, however, play centrally when playing at the World Cup with the Netherlands.

Ten Hag has stressed the importance of adding a number nine after Ronaldo’s departure but added that the fit must be right for a United side looking to build.

“We have lost a striker so we need to get a striker in, but has to be the right one who brings quality into the team, not just adding to squad,” the Dutchman told reporters following the Carabao Cup win over Burnley.

“That only causes problems. The criteria is high here at Manchester United,” he added.

The Reds have only scored 20 goals so far in the Premier League this season and sit on a goal difference of zero after 14 games played.

Although, the boss has also stressed that there have been multiple reasons behind United’s goalscoring troubles this season.

“When I analyse the first 14 games and Europe, so 20 games, we have a lot of problems in the front line. And often, I had nothing to choose, or players were not 100 percent fit and we had to play them and that was a problem during the first 20 games this season.

“I think when we get players available and better fit in the frontline, then already we will score more goals.”