Owen Hargreaves has urged Manchester United to sign another striker before the summer transfer window closes, following their 2-0 defeat to newly-promoted Hull City in their Premier League opener. The former United midfielder believes the performance at the MKM Stadium exposed a lack of attacking depth, particularly with Benjamin Sesko unfit to start.
United's dismal start against Hull
United suffered a disastrous start to their new Premier League campaign, beaten 2-0 by the Tigers on Saturday afternoon, undone by two set-piece goals. The visitors offered no real threat while chasing the game and were soundly beaten, with new signings Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans struggling on their competitive debuts for the club.
Carlos Baleba is set to arrive to offer another option in midfield, with a new left-back also on their radar before the transfer window closes on 1 September. However, Hargreaves believes the attacking line remains a priority.
Hargreaves: 'They could do with another striker option'
Benjamin Sesko started on the bench against Hull, having not played a single minute of pre-season as he recovered from a shin problem. Matheus Cunha started through the middle in his absence, but Hull's three centre-halves dominated aerially.
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.'
The former England international added: 'I do think with 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.'
Counter-attacking identity and next steps
Hargreaves noted that United struggled when forced to dominate possession, saying: '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.'
United are back in action against another newly-promoted side, Ipswich Town, next weekend. The defeat leaves them bottom of the early Premier League table, with Hargreaves' comments underscoring the need for reinforcements before the transfer deadline.
