Erik ten Hag provides update on Manchester United's search for new forward

Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has said that any potential new signing during the January transfer window has to match the club's 'sporting and financial criteria'.

The Red Devils are working to bring in a new striker during the winter market, having terminated Cristiano Ronaldo's contract at the end of November.

The 20-time English champions had been strongly linked with Cody Gakpo, but the Netherlands international has now left PSV Eindhoven to make the move to Liverpool.

There have been claims that Man United are looking at the loan market, as the Glazers are reluctant to make any major mid-season acquisitions due to the current ownership situation.

Ten Hag has stressed that the Red Devils will not be forced into bringing in a new attacker, with the club working to sign the right player.

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"I think we have a squad. We have the players who are matching our criteria. But with all the games that are coming, it is tough competition in all the leagues," Ten Hag told reporters ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers.

"But if you want to also be in all the leagues and keep playing in all the leagues by winning games and cups as well. So, you need players, you need numbers to cover.

"So, we need good players. Not only numbers, you need quality players to cover that and also that you need competition. And you need also that you can make tactical choices.

"So, we are looking for the right player for our squad and has to match our sporting criteria but also our financial criteria."

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Ten Hag also said that it is vital the team continue to have positive contributions off the bench, as they prepare to enter a busy period of the campaign.

Man United, who beat Nottingham Forest 3-0 in the Premier League on Tuesday, will end 2022 away to Wolves.

The Red Devils will then face four straight home matches in three separate competitions against Bournemouth, Everton, Charlton Athletic and Manchester City between January 3 and January 14.

"We need impact from the bench. And I am happy once again it was a player who come from the bench, Fred, who is scoring the goal," he added.

"And I think all the subs who came on [against Forest] did really well. Also in the offensive department, you need players coming from the bench who will have an impact on the game, whether it is that you need a goal or a save when you are leading and that you can go for a counter attack or at least you keep the win on your side."

Barcelona forward Memphis Depay is among the players to be linked with a move to Old Trafford, with the Netherlands international, who represented the Red Devils between 2015 and 2017, potentially available on loan this month, with his contract due to expire next June.