Erik Ten Hag is considering the possibility of utilizing Bruno Fernandes and Jadon Sancho as forwards for Manchester United.

Erik ten Hag, the Dutchman in charge of Manchester United, is determined to find new attacking options for the team. He plans to deploy Bruno Fernandes and Jadon Sancho as strikers in order to evolve their attacking play.

Sancho, who had previously fallen out of favor, is now back in Ten Hag’s plans after positive talks with the United manager. The 24-year-old had a successful loan spell with Borussia Dortmund last season, making 24 appearances and helping the team reach the UEFA Champions League final.

This is a timely boost for United, as they are facing selection issues up front with Rasmus Hojlund set to miss the start of the Premier League season due to a hamstring injury. Joshua Zirkzee, the £34 million signing from Bologna, is still adjusting to life at Old Trafford, and Ten Hag emphasized the need to be patient with him.

Ten Hag stated, “That is what we can do if we don’t have the availability of Rasmus. Of course, Joshua Zirkzee is coming in. He has started training. But he is not so long in training so it will take time and he has to adjust to English football and our way of playing. Jadon can of course play as a striker. He can also play in wide areas but it could be he is a good option.”

Marcus Rashford is another option for Ten Hag, but the 26-year-old will need to prove himself after a disappointing previous campaign. Rashford only managed to score eight goals in 43 appearances in all competitions.

Bruno Fernandes, the United captain, has primarily been deployed as an attacking midfielder. However, he has also played as a striker in the past, including in last season’s FA Cup final win over Manchester City and the 3-2 victory against Newcastle United.

Ten Hag commented, “I think Marcus has done it before, he can do it and it is definitely an option. But I think he is more productive from the left inside, when he is coming inside, so when he can arrive there he is most effective. But we also have Bruno Fernandes as a striker as well.”

United will begin their season against Fulham at Old Trafford on August 16. They will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing campaign that saw them finish eighth in the Premier League. However, their surprise FA Cup final victory over Manchester City secured them a place in the UEFA Europa League for the upcoming season.