Ten Hag backs Onana despite more struggles in Man Utd defeat
Manchester United could be forced to abandon their transfer plans to sign RB Leipzig star Lois Openda after details about his release clause have emerged. Erik ten Hag is desperate to bolster his forward ranks in the upcoming transfer windows, despite his side splashing the cash over the summer on Rasmus Hojlund.
The Red Devils have made a slow start to the season, with Ten Hag already coming under pressure from some sections of the fanbase after his side tasted defeat for the sixth time in 10 matches in all competitions earlier this week. United’s displays have lacked a spark and cohesion, raising questions about whether the summer acquisitions truly resolved their ever-growing issues.
Further investment is anticipated as a result, though the extent of the transfer budget is likely to be determined by whether the Glazers have sold the club by that stage. Ten Hag was keen to sign two strikers over the summer but Hojlund was the only forward that arrived, joining the club from Atalanta in a deal worth £72million.
Thus, another No. 9 is expected to arrive in the near future, with Leipzig star Lois Openda speculated to be among the considerations at Old Trafford. However, those plans may need to be abandoned as Sky Sports Germany report that his £69m release clause does not become active until 2025.
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Leipzig paid £37m for the services of the Belgian international over the summer and ensured that they would have a significant amount of time to work with the striker by inserting a delayed clause. However, if a significant offer is lodged beforehand then it could test their resolve.
Openda has hit the ground running in the Bundesliga, scoring four goals and assisting two in six appearances. The 23-year-old also grabbed his first Champions League goal for the club against Manchester City on Wednesday night, racing onto a threaded pass before holding off Manuel Akanji and firing into the far corner.
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Despite his quality, United may be forced to abandon their pursuit of Openda considering that their issues are significantly time-sensitive. With no natural replacement for Hojlund, an injury to the Denmark international would force a major reshuffle and the current squad does not allow for significant rotation.
Openda will continue to attract interest if his good form does not come to an end this season, but whether the Red Devils are willing to pay over the odds for the ex-Lens star remains to be seen.
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