31 July 2023 , 19:56
857
0
Luke Shaw has admitted Manchester United's players are "desperate" to welcome a centre forward to their squad this summer as the Red Devils close in on a move for Rasmus Hojlund.
United have agreed a deal to sign the Denmark international in a deal worth around £72million after Erik ten Hag's men reached a compromise with Atalanta. Hojlund is expected to become the Red Devils' third signing of the summer after Mason Mount and Andre Onana arrived at Old Trafford.
Hojlund is set to undergo a medical this week ahead of penning a five-year contract with an additional 12 month option installed. Whilst the deal is being finalised, Shaw has been speaking about United's current lack of No.9 in the squad.
And the left-back has urged the United hierarchy to get a deal done as soon as possible as he admitted Ten Hag's squad know what they are lacking. "We've already signed some very good players and hopefully there's more additions to come to strengthen the squad," Shaw told Sky Sports.
"I don't really want to comment too much on that [Hojlund deal]. I think obviously he's not our player yet, so I won't say too much. Of course, we've got [Anthony] Martial, [Marcus] Rashford at the moment and [Jadon] Sancho, who can play there. But an out-and-out striker is what we need and we're desperate for one. I'm very sure that the club know that, the manager knows that and us players would love one to come, too."
Marcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dash
Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho have played centrally during United's pre-season campaign so far, with Anthony Martial not yet fit enough to feature. Wout Weghorst also slotted into that role last season but he returned to Burnley at the end of his six-month loan.
Luke Shaw has been speaking about Manchester United's striker search (Sky Sports)Ten Hag revealed last week that United were 'making progress' on their striker search, with Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen also mentioned earlier this summer. "Progress, yes," Ten Hag said on July 25. "You know how it works; when we have him, we will tell you directly. We will do everything in our power to get it done.
"We need (it) as soon as possible. Ideally he'd be here, we need to integrate, but you don’t always get ideal situations as manager, we have to deal with that." Hojlund scored 10 times in 34 appearances for Atalanta last season as they finished the Serie A campaign in fifth.
United start the Premier League season with a home game against Wolves on August 14.