Erik ten Hag is desperate to sign a new striker before the transfer window closes (Picture: Beanyman Sport)

Erik ten Hag said Manchester United’s inability to take their chances against Real Madrid ‘absolutely’ emphasised their need for a new striker.

The Red Devils fell to a 2-0 defeat to the Spanish giants under the NRG Stadium roof in Houston on Wednesday evening.

Jude Bellingham opened the scoring with a lovely clipped finish and substitute Joselu wrapped up a 2-0 Madrid win with a stunning acrobatic strike at the death.

United had chances of their own but failed to score with any of their 14 attempts – an all too familiar tale given their problems taking opportunities last season.

Asked if the attacking display in Texas emphasised why they are looking to sign a new striker, Ten Hag said: ‘Absolutely.

Marcus Rashford missed several opportunities in last night’s defeat against Real Madrid (Picture: Getty)

‘There were two things – the pressing can be better from the start, and scoring goals.

‘I think we need more players who are capable to be in the one-on-ones and we had the situations of one-on-ones.

‘It was (Marcus) Rashford, it was, I thought, Scott McTominay in one-on-one situations. Garnacho, a one-on-one situation. From the situations, you have to score.’

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United are pushing to sign Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund, with talks over a deal under way and other potential attacking irons in the fire as they look to bring in a frontman.

The Old Trafford side have already brought in Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount and Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana this summer, with the latter making his bow in Houston.

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The Red Devils were beaten 2-0 by the Spanish giants.