Interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy has admitted that Manchester United are currently lacking a world-class striker, a major factor behind their struggles in front of goal this season.
Despite this, Van Nistelrooy remains hopeful that young talents Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee can eventually fill that crucial role.
United have scored just nine goals in their first 10 Premier League matches of the 2024/25 season, with only Southampton and Crystal Palace registering fewer. This lack of cutting edge in front of goal was a key issue that contributed to Erik ten Hag's departure as manager last month.
Van Nistelrooy, who was known for his clinical finishing during his playing days at Old Trafford, is fully aware that the club must improve its goal-scoring record to compete at the highest level. However, he is optimistic about the potential of Højlund, who has scored twice in 11 appearances so far this season despite an injury-riddled start, and Zirkzee, who has netted just once in 16 games since his move from Bologna.
"We need a certain amount of goals to be successful in the Premier League and in Europe," Van Nistelrooy said. "The best teams in the world have those players, but we have young players who are still developing. The belief is there that they can reach that level."
Manchester United invested over £100 million ($129 million) to sign Højlund and Zirkzee during the past two summer transfer windows, yet the duo has yet to consistently deliver the firepower needed to propel the team forward.
In his short tenure as caretaker manager, Van Nistelrooy has led United to victories over Leicester in the League Cup and PAOK in the Europa League. He also held Chelsea to a 1-1 draw in his only Premier League match in charge to date.
Van Nistelrooy's time in charge is expected to come to an end soon, as Ruben Amorim is set to take over from Sporting Lisbon next week. Despite his impending departure, the former United striker has expressed a desire to stay on as an assistant manager under Amorim.
"I knew when I came here it was a special occasion, and I want to be part of this journey with the club in an assistant role," Van Nistelrooy said. "I still have ambitions to manage, but I’m happy to continue in my assistant capacity if that’s the direction the club takes."
With a key managerial change imminent, United will look to continue their recovery under Van Nistelrooy's guidance in their next match against Leicester on Sunday, before Amorim takes charge.
