Why 'extraordinary' Goncalo Ramos is exactly what Ten Hag needs at Man United

Erik ten Hag admitted this weekend that Manchester United are in need of a striker.

It is by no means a surprise to hear Ten Hag come out and openly declare his transfer priority for January. While United's defence has improved under the Dutchman's leadership, their attacking momentum has suffered as a consequence.

A goal difference of zero is already 26 worse off than neighbours Manchester City and it is hard to not look enviously across the divide at Erling Haaland who has scored almost as many goals as the entire United squad in the Premier League. However, one striker who is understood to be in favour with Ten Hag appears to have some of the qualities which Haaland, or any other prolific forward, has in abundance.

Goncalo Ramos was somewhat of an unknown entity before this season. The Benfica man struggled for regular first-team football while Darwin Nunez was at the club but since his departure to Liverpool, Ramos has come of age.

His 14 goals and six assists in 21 appearances this season were enough for Fernando Santos to show faith in him to join Portugal's World Cup squad. After Santos' faith with Cristiano Ronaldo expired, Ramos made a name for himself with a delectable hat-trick as Switzerland were brushed aside.

It is no surprise that United are now linked with Ramos after such a sensational display on the world stage. But, for those concerned that this could be a flash in the pan, teammates both past and present believe that the 21-year-old is the real deal.

Anthony Carter played with Ramos at Benfica B and he told the Sydney Morning Herald just how good he thinks he is. "He's an extraordinary player, very, very good," Carter explained.

"Goncalo, he's always in the right positioning, the right timing. He's got that smell of the goal. It is an instinct thing. He knows where the ball is going to drop."

Alejandro Grimaldo, one of Ramos' current teammates, was in agreement with Carter when he spoke to Marca about the forward. "There are two things I like about Goncalo Ramos," he explained.

"He's a goalscorer, he has incredible intuition. In addition, he is a great fighter, he never rests."

Despite his poor form this season, Ronaldo's departure has still been questioned by some given United's lack of goals so far this term. However, signing a player who seems to know exactly where the back of the net is and has the work ethic to match would be the perfect response to such questions.