Man Utd's reason for snubbing Werner and letting Tottenham win transfer race

07 January 2024 , 13:07

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Man Utd's reason for snubbing Werner and letting Tottenham win transfer race

Manchester United ’s indecisiveness has seen Tottenham swoop in to seal a deal for Timo Werner.

The north London side are close to completing a move for the German forward. He will join Spurs on-loan from RB Leipzig until the end of the season to bolster Ange Postecoglou ’s attacking options.

Spurs will have an option to sign Werner permanently should the loan move prove a success. Their move for the former Chelsea star sees Man United beaten to the punch, with the Red Devils having previously been linked with a swoop for the German.

Now, it has been revealed exactly why they have not attempted to hijack Spurs’ deal. According to reports in Italy, the Red Devils have not firmed up their interest because it is not yet clear what type of forward they want to sign in January.

Erik ten Hag ’s side are desperate for more options in attack for the remainder of the campaign. Man United have scored just 22 goals in 20 games this term.

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£72m arrival Rasmus Hojlund has scored just one Premier League goal so far this term, while last season’s top scorer Marcus Rashford has netted on just three occasions in the league.

Ten Hag leapt to the defence of his forwards last month. He said: "I know Rashford can score a goal, [Rasmus] Hojlund can score a goal, Antony can score a goal, Garnacho can score a goal, Bruno [Fernandes] can score a goal, Scott McTominay can score a goal.

Man Utd have been beaten to the signing of Timo Werner by Tottenham (Getty Images)

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"We have the scoring abilities in our squad, and also from set plays, but in this moment we are not doing that. They have to stick together and also believe in themselves that they can do it."

With Werner set to move to Tottenham, it now means the Red Devils will be forced to focus on alternative targets. Stuttgart’s Serhou Guirassy has previously been linked with a move to Old Trafford after an electric start to the Bundesliga season.

Another Germany-based striker is also among their options. Bayern Munich ’s Eric-Maxim Choupo-Moting is reportedly open to a loan move to Old Trafford after falling down the pecking order under Thomas Tuchel.

Elsewhere, Werner will be aiming to find his goalscoring form in North London. The 27-year-old scored 23 goals in 89 appearances during his prior spell in England with Chelsea.

He returned to RB Leipzig last term and scored 16 goals in his first campaign back. He has failed to continue that excellent form and has found the net just twice this season.

Daniel Orme