Former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves has urged the club to sign another striker before the summer transfer window closes, saying they "didn’t look like scoring" during their opening-day defeat at Hull City.
United fail to score in Premier League opener
United were beaten by the newly promoted side in their first Premier League match of the season and failed to register a goal. Benjamin Sesko, the club's only natural striker, started on the bench and was introduced only for the final quarter of the game. Marcus Rashford also came on as a substitute.
Matheus Cunha began the match as United's central attacking point, but Hargreaves believes another No 9 is needed at Old Trafford, describing the position as an area of concern.
Hargreaves points to counter-attacking strengths
The former player referenced Michael Carrick's biggest successes, which came when United were able to play on the break. Against a Hull side that sat deep and without a genuine No 9 on the pitch, United were stifled in attack.
Speaking to TNT Sports, Hargreaves said: "I think they could probably do with another striker option. I think that showed today, Sesko didn’t start and Cunha played a little bit deeper. He’s a 10, and plays very effective off the left.
"But I do think with (Carlos) Baleba coming into the team, it is a good squad and it is a top four squad, I just think they were at their best last season counter attacking teams. They were at their best counter attacking teams, remember the first ones, Carrick’s first games against City and Arsenal."
"Today where they had possession of the ball they didn’t look like scoring. I think it will be easier when the space opens up. Today there wasn’t that. I think they go back to the drawing board and look at what they can do differently."
Midfield priority and Carrick's stance
United's priority this summer has been strengthening their midfield. Two of their signings, Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, started in the defeat at Hull. A deal has been agreed with Brighton for Carlos Baleba, who is poised to become their third midfield addition of the window.
Carrick said on any potential incomings: "I had all eyes on this [game] today, so any other player, at any other club… until he’s ours, it’s not for me to comment on that. If there’s anything to be announced on any player, I’m sure you’ll be the first to know."
