Erik Ten Haag has opened up about issues he’s facing when it comes to making decisions surrounding selection of his attacking options as the Red devils prepare to face Reading in the FA-Cup.
Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag, has acknowledged the lack of offensive options available to him ahead of the team’s FA Cup match against Reading FC on Saturday.
The Red Devils suffered their first loss in 11 games on Sunday, when they conceded a last-minute winner to Arsenal in the Premier League. United now face two consecutive cup games this week, starting with a Carabao Cup semi-final match against Nottingham Forest on Wednesday, followed by hosting Reading in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday.
In an effort to strengthen his attack, ten Hag recently secured the loan signing of Wout Weghorst from Burnley for the remainder of the season.
However, with the exit of Cristiano Ronaldo and an injury to Anthony Martial, United’s options in the final third are limited, with only Marcus Rashford and young players Anthony Elanga and Alejandro Garnacho as alternatives.
Speaking on his forward options the former Ajax manager said
“We had some considerations to bring players in, especially [Alejandro] Garnacho [who] can have an impact,” said Ten Hag, after the Arsenal defeat.
“But we need a good press, we conceded two already from a corner, short corners but a lot of crosses there. I think Wout did a really good job there in the pressing, and in the heading on set plays.
“So Rashy (Rashford) – you don’t want to take him off – with Bruno (Fernandes) already we made a tactical (change) and I think almost it came out, a really good position from him and pass to [Marcus] Rashford in the back of the defending line and the moment between the defending line and the keeper, so we had our moments there and we also missed some players. Also on the bench, we are limited offensively, we know that.”