Ten Hag expresses disappointment as Man Utd lose at Brighton
In recent days, there’s been talk of Manchester United reportedly holding talks via a third party over a potential deal for Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez. The Argentina international has flourished in Serie A this term, bagging 19 goals from 33 matches. And the Red Devils have already received a green light from former midfielder Paul Scholes when it comes to bringing the 25-year-old to Old Trafford.
After seeing Anthony Martial and Wout Weghorst struggle this season, Erik ten Hag is determined to land a new No 9 in the summer.
And though Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen appear to be the Dutchman’s priority targets, links to Martinez have started to gain momentum.
The Inter Milan star has been as vital as ever at the San Siro this season, bagging a total of 23 goals and weighing in with nine assists from 48 matches.
And United have already received a green light to pursue the player from Scholes, who previously endorsed a deal back in March.
“I like Lautaro Martinez at Inter Milan,” he said at the time. “I think he’s Ten Hag’s type of player.
Man Utd transfers: Ten Hag wants another Pogba and it makes sense
“He likes a centre-forward who will run about, be aggressive, get against people. There are options.
“I like Manchester United’s centre-forwards as they are. I like Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial.
“We all know the quality they’ve got. There are options out there and let’s hope we can bring one in.”
However, a deal for Martinez won’t be easy for United to broker due to his importance to Inter – who don’t want to let their star performer go.
Reports have claimed they see the player as the ideal star to build their project around as they look to dominate Italian football for the foreseeable future.
United have a good relationship with Inter, having negotiated transfer deals involving the likes of Alexis Sanchez, Romelu Lukaku and Ashley Young in recent years.
But, even so, it will likely take a big offer in order for Inter to enter negotiations.
Meanwhile, Ten Hag wants United to qualify for the Champions League as they look to make a splash in the transfer market come the summer.
“Manchester United need to be there in the Champions League,” he said the 53-year-old.
“We want to be there because we want to challenge the best teams in the world so we do everything in our power to get that done.
Want the latest football news? Join our brand new Facebook group by clicking here
“I think it is always vital that we have to be in the Champions League.
“It is a battle because many teams and clubs in the Premier League are competing for it and they have the power to fight for that as well. We want to be there and will do everything to get there.
“But I just explained we had a quite good run, four wins and a draw from the last five. We have everything in our hands so we have to focus on our performance.
“I trust my players. I am quite confident about that.”
And the United boss also wants his team to bounce back from their 1-0 defeat to Brighton on Thursday night.
“We have every time in the season when we had a defeat then we bounced back,” he said.
“I count on my team, we have to do it again.
“There is no time to stay in this, in one hour we move onto the game against West Ham. Prepare them and make a good plan.
“The players have to take responsibility and I count on them and they can do that.”
Source: Read Full Article