Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has heaped praise on Erik Ten Hag for the signings that the Dutchman has made since his arrival to Manchester United last summer.
Speaking to NBC before the season opening 1-0 win against Wolves on Monday, the legendary manager said:
"“I think Ten Hag’s done a fantastic job. He’s grabbed it, he’s brought his own players in and if he gets the centre-forward ready quickly, I think they’ll be a really good side.That’s what they’ve really lacked – a centre-forward – for the last few years. The rest of the team, the composition is very good. He’s got great experience in the defence, with Varane and Martinez, and experience in midfield, with Eriksen and Casemiro, so there’s a foundation there.”"
New signing Rasmus Højlund was missing in the game against Wolves and is not expected back within the next few weeks. Without having kicked a ball yet, the Danish international could be the answer to a lot of United’s problems which were exposed on the opening day.
United really struggled for goals last season, and it took until October for the Red Devils to not have a minus goal difference in 2022/23. They’ve already started on the positive after the first game, and the addition of Højlund will present them with a striker starving for goals and a point to prove.
The last striker that Sir Alex Ferguson bought in his managerial career was Robin Van Persie, who won the Premier League title for United over 10 years ago. Højlund is Ten Hag’s first permanent striker (Weghorst on loan was his first), so will be hoping for a dust of magic similar to Van Persie’s. At just 20 years old, the former Atalanta striker will have at least another decade at Old Trafford to replicate that.