Because Manchester United went empty-handed in the race for Cody Gakpo, the club is now focusing on offensive loan deals for the second half of the season. Erik ten Hag emphasizes the need to keep improving in attack.

Cody Gakpo was considered a clear transfer target from United. Because the transfer summer was so expensive, Manchester had to hold back financially in the race for the Dutchman. He ended up joining league rivals Liverpool FC because the Reds were willing and able to shell out just over €40m.

That's why the Red Devils now have to do something else. Now in focus: lending for the offensive. They should help in the second half of the season to make the team more dangerous and, above all, more efficient in front of the opposing goal.

According to the Telegraph, those responsible also see this need because there was a departure on the offensive with Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho is not an option at the moment.

"We've been active in the market all the time, but a transfer has to make sense both from a sporting and a financial point of view," explained ten Hag about the lack of support for the attack so far.

The coach also explained why he himself sees the need for transfer: "We are looking for more attacking players. We are still looking for an attacker. That would be an advantage because we will have a lot of games, because we will play every three days, which is very tiring. [...] In terms of the team's progress, we have to be more efficient. [...] We have a lot of players who can score goals, but we have to be more ruthless."

He referred to the previous goals of Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes. Nevertheless, a classic center forward should be loaned out. There are no concrete candidates yet.

This article was originally published on 90min.com as After Gakpo Frustration: Man United Focus on Attacking Loans.