Harry Maguire appeared to be at odds with his manager, which contributed to Manchester United’s terrible 2-1 loss to Fulham at home.
Harry Maguire has lamented Manchester United’s dearth of offensive alternatives, even if Erik ten Hag, the team’s manager, has said the team was correct to pass on adding another striker.
In their dreadful 2-1 loss to Fulham at home on Saturday, the Red Devils were without a weapon as Alex Iwobi’s goal in the 97th minute gave the Cottagers the well-earned victory. The loss of Rasmus Hojlund, a striker valued at £72 million, proved to be a devastating blow, but Maguire was United’s top scorer with a second-half equaliser.
Missing-of-form winger Marcus Rashford was used up front with No. 9 Anthony Martial missing due to injury. Rashford touched the ball just 27 times during the entire 90 minutes, which is the fewest of any player. Ten Hag was called foolish by United supporters when he claimed prior to the game that the Red Devils didn’t need to sign a third strike option last summer.
“We got hit by the injury to Rasmus, who has been a big focal point for us, but it is up to us to find the solutions and the areas we need to improve on,” Maguire told BBC Sport following the defeat, seemingly approving of the criticism. We can play into him, he holds it up, he initiates the press really effectively, and he has been our main man. Marcus has also been playing exceptionally well on the left. Our season has been marred by injuries, just like other clubs’, therefore we must act quickly to find a solution.”
If Ten Hag is still in control, he will undoubtedly sign a new striker this summer because Martial’s contract is up. The Red Devils’ manager “really tried” in January to sign a forward, but he was thwarted by Financial Fair Play regulations. “When I got the news about Anthony Martial, start of January, I really tried to get another striker in because we are vulnerable there,” Ten Hag stated. However, FFP was the reason that prevented us. We were unable to succeed.”
The manager of United continued, saying, “We were pleased to welcome Rasmus Hojlund. Two of us were strikers. We have fantastic things to thank Martial for last season. He thus receives a significant salary with this team. The fact is, we ought to have anticipated more. However, if you add another striker, you have to rule him (Martial) out completely at the beginning of the campaign.”
