“The player wants to join Man United now” – New update on Erik ten Hag’s potential signing

Manchester United are looking for a striker in the summer transfer window to elevate Erik ten Hag’s team to the next level in the coming season.

Ten Hag, 53, has completed his first campaign as manager at Old Trafford and it’s fair to call it a success. A third place Premier League finish alongside a trophy is a solid first step towards where the Dutchman wants the club to be in the long term.

However, in order to do so, he will need top quality signings in the summer as he looks to bridge the gap between United and the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City, who both finished above The Reds in the 2022/23 campaign.

A number nine is one of the main priorities for Ten Hag, who had several problems in the position last season. Anthony Martial’s fitness issues across the campaign were disruptive and that meant loanee Wout Weghorst, who was not up to standards, played more than first anticipated.

Interest in Tottenham Hotspur forward Harry Kane is no secret, however, potential difficulties within striking a deal with the stern Daniel Levy means that United would be prepared to wait another year to sign the England captain on a free transfer, according to reports from Laurie Whitwell of The Athletic.

But United will still be looking to sign a forward in the upcoming window and the aforementioned report added that Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund is prime among thoughts at Old Trafford.

The Italian club are open to selling the 20-year-old for at least £40 million – Ten Hag has spoken to the Danish international, who scored a hat-trick on his full debut for his country earlier this year, through video call last month.

It was added that Hojlund is ‘eager’ to move to United now. He previously confessed that he supports the Old Trafford club and has recently signed with agents SEG for the upcoming transfer window – their co-founder Kees Vos represents United manager Ten Hag and regularly visits the Carrington training complex.

Signing Hojlund would improve United’s quality in the number nine position but his inexperience could also provide an issue if the club do not sign another experienced forward alongside him.

He scored 16 goals last term and also registered seven assists in 42 appearances.