Erik ten Hag says Manchester United are making progress in their pursuit of a new striker. Already light of a frontman in his first season at Old Trafford, the acrimonious exit of Cristiano Ronaldo and January loan move for Wout Weghorst underlined the need for an attacking acquisition. United have signed midfielder Mason Mount and goalkeeper Andre Onana this summer but work continues to sign a striker, with up-and-coming Atalanta talent Rasmus Hojlund targeted. The Old Trafford giants are only believed to be willing to go up to £60million for the Denmark international, while Frankfurt’s Randal Kolo Muani is an alternative. “We make progress, yeah” Ten Hag said when asked about United’s pursuit of a striker. “But you know how it works – when we have him, we will tell you directly. “The only thing I can say is we do everything that’s in our power to get that done. “If it was up to me, yeah, as soon as possible. The earlier the better because we have to integrate him in the team, the way of play. “In an ideal situation, he was already here but you do not always get ideal situations as a manager and you have to deal with the situation.” While United look for a forward with potential, talk of a move for Tottenham sharpshooter Harry Kane persists. United sources have downplayed such talk and suggestions they are targeting Kylian Mbappe, who is subject of a world record bid from Al Hilal after Paris St Germain decided to sell him. Asked about a move for Mbappe, even on loan, Ten Hag said: “We never speak about players who are under contract in other clubs.” I think with Mason Mount already we have a player extra who is capable of not only scoring goals but also to create, and to put play players like Rashford into position to score more goals. Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag United need a striker to bolster a goal-shy side, whose return of 58 was comfortably the lowest in the Premier League top-six. Marcus Rashford scored a career-high 30 club goals, but Ten Hag wants more from the rest of the team. “We are under-performing there, and we are aware of it so others have to contribute also in that area but therefore we are looking for scoring abilities,” said Ten Hag, who has given the green light for forward Anthony Elanga to join Nottingham Forest. “I think with Mason Mount already we have a player extra who is capable of not only scoring goals but also to create, and to put play players like Rashford into position to score more goals. “But as a whole team we have to score more.” A fully fit Anthony Martial would certainly aid that cause next season. The France international impressed during the last pre-season tour, only to score nine goals in 29 appearances during an injury-hit campaign that was ended by a hamstring issue. “Today he was in the team training, so that is really hopeful,” Ten Hag said after Monday’s session in San Diego. “Of course, when you have a player in your squad you expect that he is available and players have to take responsibility to be available. “But when he is not, I have to deal with the situation and we show we can be successful without that striker. “But it’s easier when you have that striker in the team because I think every club who wins big trophies has scoring abilities in that team. “We need a good squad and Anthony Martial is a brilliant football player so he will help us, he scores goals. “Also in other areas of football like pressing, in possession, combinations, he’s a great player, so let’s hope he will be fit and he stays fit.” United are in the USA as Ten Hag’s men continue to gear up for the 2023-24 season. The Under-21s – supplemented by some senior players, including Jonny Evans – face Wrexham in San Diego on Tuesday before the first-team play Real Madrid in Houston the following day. “I didn’t watch the Wrexham documentary, but I know them, we played them last year,” Ten Hag added. “I know they got promoted. Of course I’ve seen the actuality, the way we play, I know the players. “We brought the Under-21s in but we will strengthen them with some players who are on the tour with the first squad.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Palace boss Roy Hodgson ‘really sad’ to lose Wilfried Zaha to Galatasaray Premier League chief ‘not too concerned at moment’ about Saudi Arabia rise Football rumours: Premier League clubs scramble for Kylian Mbappe

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Gareth Southgate says he has never seen a player treated like Harry Maguire as the furious England manager labelled the unrelenting criticism of him “ridiculous” and “a joke”. Little more than two years on from being named in the European Championship team of the tournament, the 30-year-old is now the butt of jokes to many. Maguire’s struggle for form and game-time at Manchester United have increased the spotlight on a player that has remained an integral part of Southgate’s England squad. The centre-back made his first start of the season in Saturday’s 1-1 Euro 2024 qualifying draw against Ukraine and was mocked mercilessly when brought on at half-time against Scotland three days later. Maguire went on to score an unfortunate own goal but enjoyed the last laugh at Hampden Park as the Auld Enemy ran out 3-1 victors – something the travelling hordes were quick to celebrate with the under-fire defender. “From a Scotland fan’s point of view, I get it and I have absolutely no complaints with what they did,” the England boss said. “It is a consequence of ridiculous treatment of him for a long period of time, frankly. “I think our fans recognised ‘OK, there might be a bit of heat from our own supporters but we’re not going to have it from others getting into him’. “But it’s a joke. I’ve never known a player treated the way he is – not by the Scottish fans, by our own commentators, pundits, whatever it is. “They’ve created something that’s beyond anything I’ve ever seen. “He’s been an absolute stalwart for us in the second most successful England team for decades. He’s been an absolutely key part of that. “I’ve talked about the importance of our senior players. He’s been crucial amongst that. “Every time he goes on the field, the resilience he shows, the balls he shows is absolutely incredible. “He’s a top player and we’re all with him and our fans were brilliant with him tonight.” England fans chanted his name throughout the second half, including bellowing out ‘Harry Maguire, he’s winning 3-1’ after Harry Kane added to Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham’s first half goals. Asked how he is after the so-called friendly, Southgate said of Maguire: “He’s good, he’s great. We’ve had a good win, he’s been a big part of that. “He’s gone and spoken with the media because that’s the sort of lad he is. “He’s fronted up as he always does, so again enormous credit to his character.” Southgate said the own goal was “just unfortunate” on a night when Bellingham shone and England produced an impressive performance. “Really pleased with the performance,” Southgate said after the 116th meeting of international football’s oldest foes. “We wanted to give a performance that was controlled with the ball. “We knew that would be the best way of trying to quieten the crowd, which was a fantastic atmosphere. “I thought we showed great composure, we had good control of possession deeper and we had a real threat with our runs in behind and our forward running and forward passing. “The team worked incredibly hard without the ball because Scotland’s system can cause you a lot of problems. “So, I was so happy with all of the starting XI, all of the subs. “They’ve done a fantastic job and in the end, a really strong performance with an excellent result.” On Bellingham, the England boss added: “We want all our players to have that freedom and, contrary to what people seem to think most of the time, I think they do have that. “Tonight, different system they were playing against, different areas where the spaces were open. “What was key for Jude, the timing of his forward runs. You know, he’s got that ability to slip through challenges and he’s just a brilliant competitor. “He’s not concerned about the environment.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Steve Clarke insists Scotland remain in positive mood despite England defeat Luis Rubiales refuses to apologise to Jenni Hermoso over ‘consensual’ kiss Dane Vilas and Luke Wells put Lancashire in front heading into final day

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