Sir Alex Ferguson praises Ten Hag, says United need a new striker

Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has heaped praise on Erik ten Hag following his side’s Carabao Cup final triumph over Newcastle United.

Ten Hag led the Red Devils to their first title success since 2017 on Sunday evening after a comprehensive 2-0 win over Eddie Howe’s brave Magpies.

Since shaking off their early season fiasco, United have looked a different proposition under the Dutch tactician.

The Carabao Cup is seen as one of many still to come by Ten Hag, who has warned his relentless team over the dangers of complacency as they compete on all fronts this season.

United have lost just one of their last 19 games in all competitions, and Old Trafford icon Ferguson, who attended the final, has praised Ten Hag for the immense work done in the team.

“United is based on success, and he’s [Ten Hag] gone the right way about it,” Ferguson said (via Football Daily). 

“The signs have been really good. I think that was important, and he’s got a grip of the club, which is really big for him.” 

“You come to United, you try and get off to a good start right away, and he’s done it really well.”

Top scorer Marcus Rashford was at it again on Sunday evening, grabbing United’s second goal to seal the tie after Casemiro’s opener.

The decisive strike against Newcastle was the England international’s 25th goal this term. While his form has pleased Ferguson, the 81-year-old believes United needs another striker in the team. 

“I don’t think he’s a striker,” Ferguson added. “He operates away from the left-hand side, which is fantastic. His finish is always good, and he’s in a great vein of form. 

“Unfortunately for us, he’s the main source of goals. We could do with an extra one.”

United signed Burnley striker Wout Werghorst on a loan deal during the winter transfer window, but the Dutchman is only seen as a stop-gap solution.

United have shortlisted Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane and Napoli hitman Victor Osimhen as primary striker targets.

However, any move for either will depend on the club’s ownership situation next season.