Manchester United targeting short-term striker signings is surprising given Erik ten Hag's focus on a long-term project, Toby Cudworth has claimed.

What's the word?

United have been linked with Wout Weghorst and Vincent Aboubakar amongst others on short-term deals as striker cover following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Neither signing will be targeted as a player to take the club forward as a starter or beyond this season, but as cover for the next few months before United sign a long-term forward in the summer window.

However, this is not in line with Ten Hag's actions so far, which have been geared towards younger signings and development for the future.

Speaking on the Talking Transfers Podcast, Cudworth expressed his surprise at the thought of an older striker arriving as backup in this window.

"I also don't think Ten Hag is willing to bring in a player like a sticky plaster," he stated.

"I think Aboubakar, Giroud, short-term signings don't really align for me in terms of what Erik ten Hag is looking to build at United."

Clever business?

Although a striker like Weghorst may not be the most glamourous name, a loan deal for the Burnley forward, who is currently at Besiktas, could turn out to be a masterstroke.

He would provide a different option to Marcus Rashford or Anthony Martial, and has proven himself as a goalscorer in the Bundesliga and internationally, having played a starring role for the Netherlands in the World Cup.

He ranks in the top 14% of forwards for interceptions, blocks and aerial duels as per FBref, and could be a useful bench option to bring on for his work rate and physicality, whilst he has also scored eight times in 16 games this season.

A loan move would be a risk-free deal, before signing one of Ten Hag's desired main choices in the summer window.