Man Utd eye six strikers including Watkins after Ten Hag issued two-word request

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Manchester United have watched six strikers after Erik ten Hag made his criteria for his priority position clear with two words, according to reports. The Red Devils will invest in a reliable goalscorer this summer but are already prepared to walk away from two of Ten Hag’s targets due to inflated asking prices.

United’s woes in front of goal this season were well recorded, scoring just 58 in the Premier League despite an xG of 68.74.

Marcus Rashford recorded a career-best campaign with 30 goals, but the drop-off to his team-mates was staggering.

Bruno Fernandes, with 14 strikes in all competitions, was the only other United player to hit double figures.

Therefore, according to The Athletic, Ten Hag told United’s recruitment department two words ahead of the summer transfer window… “No risk.”

And there are reportedly six names the Old Trafford giants have watched in preparation for a summer swoop.

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It’s no secret that Ten Hag’s top target was Harry Kane. The 29-year-old is out of contract next year and is as low risk as goalscorers get, bagging another 30 in the Premier League this term.

However, Tottenham Hotspur’s reluctance to sell to a direct rival saw United walk away early to avoid a window-long goose chase. Ten Hag, while disappointed, is said to accept the club’s stance.

Atalanta’s 20-year-old starlet Rasmus Hojlund emerged as an alternative, and the Denmark international is keen on a switch to United.

However, the Serie A side will prevent a deal if they don’t budge on their eye-watering £85million valuation. Negotiations are expected in the weeks ahead.

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In a more left-field avenue, United have also kept tabs on Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins after three consistent seasons in the Premier League, netting 14, 11 and 15 goals.

But he’s in talks over a new contract at Villa Park after helping Unai Emery guide the club into the Europa Conference League.

Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, Benfica’s Goncalo Ramos and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Randal Kolo Muani are a more familiar trio to those following transfer speculation.

All three scouted stars meet Ten Hag’s criteria based on their impressive exploits in top European leagues, but they would also demand sizable fees.

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