Manchester United: Solskjaer’s ideal Anthony Martial backup becomes available
Anthony Martial has finished the season as the top-scorer for Manchester United.
The disappointment of losing in three semi-finals last season would not take away the credit Ole Gunnar Solskjaer deserves for a commendable recovery Manchester United made on their way to a third-place finish in the Premier League.
Initiating a “cultural reset” at Old Trafford, Man United have embarked a promising journey under the tutelage of Solskjaer, who is aware of the ingredients which formed a foundation for prolonged success under Sir Alex Ferguson, having served as a player during the golden era.
Despite visible improvements in the current squad members, it is imperative that the level is further enhanced by injecting elite competition via top-notch signings. Anthony Martial, regardless of an outstanding solo campaign, struggled at times due to inexperience and lack of proper forwards to bounce and feed off during testing times.
Since last summer, Man United have tried their hands at various strikers to add quality in depth and challenge for a starting slot alongside Martial. After a high-profile snub at the hands of Erling Haaland, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer opted for a temporary fix in Odion Ighalo.
Odion Ighalo, after a regular string of appearances in cup competitions, lost out on first-team minutes with Solskjaer trusting his young attacking force, comprising of Mason Greenwood, Marcus Rashford, and Anthony Martial to deliver the goods.
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With many goals between themselves, the attacking trio of Greenwood, Martial, and Rashford have proved their manager right, but they fizzled out towards the end as the lack of quality backups meant Solskjaer had very little to choose from while rotating his starting eleven.
A number nine has been the area which has garnered particular attention from United, who vows to compete with Liverpool and Manchester City for the Premier League title at the earliest. Trying their hands at Victor Osimhen, several other targets are being monitored, too.
Moussa Dembele, who has been on the radar since last summer, has re-emerged after a successful season at Lyon, which included a brace against Man City in the Champions League quarter-final stage.
Unfortunately for the French club, the exit from the elite competition has meant the need for finances to prepare for the next season. Lyon’s Sporting Director Juninho hinted towards the possible departure of Dembele and midfielder Houssem Aouar.
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"The aim now is to continue working, immediately with Ligue 1. There are no presents. We will have to work. If we continue like this, we will be back in this competition. When you are well paid, you need motivation every day, we are going to concentrate on Ligue 1. There are the basics.There will be departures, but I am not worried. When you have players who play very well in a competition like this, like Moussa (Dembélé) and Houssem (Aouar)… We will have to show the same spirit to be back in the Champions’ League next season. (GFFN)"
Previously, it was understood that Moussa Dembele was weighing up his future options and was not eager to leave Les Gones for the sake of it. The 23-year-old was also approached by RB Leipzig, who have made their move for Crystal Palace forward Alexander Sorloth.
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Considering the dormancy in the Jadon Sancho negotiations, Manchester United could make their move for Dembele, who could forge a long-term partnership with Martial and Rashford.
From Juninho’s brief, Arsenal would be licking their lips, as well, having made an initial offer for Houssem Aouar in a part-exchange deal involving Mateo Guendouzi.