Manchester United cannot turn up to pre-season again with Anthony Martial as the club’s first choice striker.
A year ago it looked like Anthony Martial‘s spell at Manchester United might be over, after a dismal loan at Sevilla.
But the appointment of Erik ten Hag gave Martial a new lease of life, with the striker bumped up the first team queue courtesy of Edinson Cavani‘s exit, Mason Greenwood‘s arrest, and Cristiano Ronaldo going AWOL.
Ten Hag took a liking to a refreshed Martial, and pretty much by default, as the only option, he became the first choice striker for pre-season a year ago.
Of course, by time the actual season started, Martial’s body had given way, and a season of on-off injuries commenced, which led to him missing the FA Cup final, the third final in a row at United he has missed due to fitness issue.
A report in The Telegraph now claims Martial, who is on wages of £200,000 per week, is expected to be back fit again for pre-season.
We can’t go through this all over again.
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New striker signing is urgent
Turning up to pre-season with Anthony Martial as the first choice striker would be a pretty depressing scenario. He has had his chance.
Manchester United need to get their act together, and sign a striker, and sign him early.
Various names have been linked, from Rasmus Hojlund, to Kolo Muani, to Harry Kane, or Victor Osimhen.
Really, two strikers are required. The Mason Greenwood situation is a little bit of a wildcard to consider, but one to really put out of mind for now.
One positive about Martial being fit again, would be the prospect of selling him. His wages make it difficult, yet, could there be a super-rich club in Saudi Arabia willing to take him on?
When the real season kicks off, that’s when United really need a top striker. But it helps to have one for the first day of pre-season too.
Why first choice striker at pre-season matters
Macnhester United have seven pre-season matches to play. Like last year, Martial probably won’t make it through them all to be fit for when it really matters.
Having a new striker in, early, can give the whole fanbase a lift, and can boost the spirits of the whole squad.
United have no doubt been hurt by City’s success this past season, which has been made possible due to the prolific goalscoring from Erling Haaland.
This past season, United have been turning up to a gun-fight with a cardboard sword.
If this team is really going to kick on and challenge for top honours, domestically and abroad, a prolific goalscorer is required, one who isn’t totally unreliable.
It is urgent to get this position fixed early, and start work immediately to make sure the 2023/24 season gets off to a flying start.
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