Ruud Van Nistelrooy pinpoints where Man United still need to improve to compete with Europe’s elite – despite £110m outlay

Ruud Van Nistelrooy admits that Manchester United need a proven goal scorer if they want to compete with the best clubs in Europe.

Only two Premier League teams, Crystal Palace and Southampton, have scored fewer top-flight goals this season despite United spending nearly £110million on Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee under Erik ten Hag. The two players have just three goals between them this term.

Van Nistelrooy knows what it takes to lead the line at United, having scored 150 goals in 219 games for the club during his playing career.

Having returned to Old Trafford as a coach in the summer and stepped in as caretaker boss following Ten Hag’s sacking, the Dutchman acknowledged that the young strikers in United’s squad need time to develop.

He said: ‘I agree that when you want to be a successful side in the Premier League and Europe, you are going to need a certain amount of goals. That is clear. Those are the facts in football and that is why the best teams in the world have those players.

United strikers Rasmus Hojlund (left) and Joshua Zirkzee (right) have just three goals between them this season

Only two Premier League teams, Crystal Palace and Southampton , have scored fewer top-flight goals this season than United  

‘At the moment, we have players who get a certain amount of goals or assists, but they are at an age where they still have to be developed. 

‘There is the potential that they will be, and the belief is there that they can. That’s at this moment where we are.’

Van Nistelrooy faces his final game as interim boss against Leicester City at Old Trafford on Sunday, and is still waiting to see if Amad Diallo – who scored twice in the Europa League win over PAOK on Thursday – has recovered from a foot injury. 

‘Amad was assessed and we are still working on him to get him ready for Sunday – hopefully it will work,’ he added.

Van Nistelrooy faces his final game as interim boss against Leicester City at Old Trafford on Sunday

Zirkzee has struggled to settle at Old Trafford since moving to the club in the summer

Meanwhile, Luke Shaw returned to first-team training on Friday after nine months out of action for his club, with Kobbie Mainoo and Leny Yoro not far behind.

‘Kobbie is also progressing in his injury he’s making the right steps,’ said Van Nistelrooy. ‘He’s not yet with the team, though, that needs a bit more time.

‘Yesterday [Thursday] (against PAOK), we had a lot of benefit from Christian (Eriksen) playing a good 30 minutes for (Manuel) Ugarte and Mason (Mount) making his first minutes back. 

‘That benefited us as well, so I’m glad that they’re back. Also it’s good that Luke and Leny are on the pitch.’