Man Utd star at Euro 2024 shows Ineos simply have to make new signing now, £40m star would be perfect

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When Manchester United paid up to sign Rasmus Hojlund last summer it was just the start. Now for the second phase of the plan.

Yes, Manchester United desperately needed a striker in 2023, and Rasmus Hojlund filled the void. But the team needed far more than one.

With June 30 now passed us, Anthony Martial is no longer a Manchester United player. There can be no excuses for not signing another centre-forward.

Rasmus Hojlund’s limitations were highlighted at Euro 2024 during a frustrating tournament for Denmark, in which he failed to score in four matches.

Great progress from Hojlund but help needed

When Manchester United paid £64 million to sign Rasmus Hojlund last summer it was because he was a top prospect, with room to grow.

If United had waited a year, the club could have watched him lead Atalanta to the Europa League, heading into the Euros. There was a real risk his price tag would actually have increased.

As it worked out, a tough European Championships this past month has just quietened some of the hype around the Dane.

He scored a very creditable 16 goals for Manchester United last season, including five in the Champions League.

Hojlund finished the season as United’s top scorer, and in some respects, you can’t ask for more than that.

But we have seen over the past season that Hojlund can be a streaky player. Hot one minute, then freezing cold the next.

United scored only 57 Premier League goals last season, a figure which must be improved as a team. Relying on Hojlund won’t change this, we need more options.

Denmark didn’t have any credible options to turn to, and it cost them. If Hojlund is not performing, you need a plan B. At present, United don’t have one.

New striker will help United and Hojlund

A new striker is not a luxury wish. It is an essential. If Ineos were in any doubt about this whatsoever, watching Hojlund toil at Euro 2024 should have highlighted this.

Hojlund is at his best when he’s not under huge pressure, shouldering the burden of having the team on his back.

While there is young prospect Ethan Wheatley coming through, another more experienced option is required.

United are following a variety of names in attack, with Joshua Zirkzee of Bologna the current frontrunner.

Hojlund will hope to kick on further next season, but what if he doesn’t? United need variety in attack, plus depth and cover.

Even if Hojlund had scored five goals at the Euros, a new addition would have been needed. But watching his frustrations amid a dry streak in front of goal only serves to highlight how desperately United need to treat this player recruitment issue.

• READ MORE: Manchester United confirmed signings, transfers in, out, loan exits, releases for 2024/25

Ivan Toney shows he could be the man

If the idea of Joshua Zirkzee is not winning you over, perhaps a proven Premier League striker might be the better option?

Brentford striker Ivan Toney could be ideal for Manchester United, valued at around £40 million.

Toney came off the bench in England’s Euro 2024 clash against Slovakia, and he helped to change the game.

He provided the assist for Harry Kane’s winner, after proving a distraction to the Slovakia defence before Jude Bellingham’s dramatic equaliser. He’s direct, a physical threat, and works hard for the good of his team.

Toney would add an extra dimension to United’s attack, a proven source of goals, and as he showed for England, he’s an impact-maker.