Marcus Thuram to Manchester United: Player profile for potential 2023 signing

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Manchester United are eyeing up a move for France international forward Marcus Thuram, reports SportBild.

United are claimed to be considering Thuram among the club’s forward options for this coming January.

Bild state Borussia Moenchengladbach are already looking at replacements. 90min recently linked both Arsenal and Tottenham with links for the forward.

So what do we need to know about Thuram and would he be a good fit for United? Read on…

Marcus Thuram: Famous family

Yes, Marcus Thuram is the son of France legend Lilian Thuram, a winner at the 1998 World Cup with France. He came agonisingly close to emulating his dad in 2022 – but there will be further opportunities.

Manchester United tried to sign Lilian Thuram back in 2002, The Guardian reported.

Marcus Thuram club record

Marcus Thuram has been playing for Borussia Moenchengladbach since 2019, when he signed from French side Guingamp.

This season he has scored 10 goals in 15 Bundesliga games, where he is the second highest scorer in the league behind Christian Nkunku. He also has three assists.

He has 13 goals in all competitions this season, eclipsing the tally of just three he scored last season, in an injury-hit campaign. His best record is the 14 goals he netted in 2019/20.

Thuram has scored 41 goals in total for ‘Gladbach. This included his first career hat-trick earlier this year in an early round German Cup win.

Marcus Thuram international record

Thuram made his international debut for France in 2020. He had previously represented France at every level from under-17s to under-21s.

The forward has made nine appearances for France, including five at the World Cup. He is still looking for his first international goal.

He did provide two assists at the World Cup, one against Poland in the last 16 and another in the final against Argentina, supplying the pass for Kylian Mbappe’s equaliser.

Marcus Thuram best position

Thuram is capable of playing on the left wing or up front. It is as a centre-forward where he has enjoyed success for Borussia Moenchengladbach this season, scoring regularly.

He has started as a striker in every game for the club this season. Last season when he struggled for goals, in addition to making most of his appearances as a substitute, he was often playing on the left-wing.

Leading the line in his side’s 4-2-3-1 formation suits Thuram and utilises his pace well as an asset.

Marcus Thuram contract situation

Marcus Thuram’s contract expires in June 2023. This means the German side could reluctantly cash in on him in the January transfer window.

SportBild report Borussia Moenchengladach could be forced to sell Thuram for as little as £9.6 million due to his expiring contract.

Marcus Thuram: What they say

Wolfsburg sporting director Marcel Schafer told GFN Germany: “Thuram is a world class striker. You have to say it like that. He has world class stature.”

‘Gladbach head coach Daniel Farke added: “Marcus is in excellent shape. He has all the qualities to fill this position well. He’s still getting used to that central striker role. [He is] an exceptional player of the highest international class.”

Assistant coach Oliver Neuville admitted, via Radio Sportiva: “I think it will be difficult for him to stay at Gladbach. If he continues to score so many goals, it’s certain he’ll have many offers from Italy, Spain and England.  

“We must also be a little realistic. I hope he will still be here for a long time in Monchengladbach. But now he’s been called up by French for the World Cup, it will be difficult for him to extend.”

Marcus Thuram: Profile

• Full name: Marcus Lilian Thuram-Ulien
• Age: 25
• Height: 1.92 m (6 ft 3 in)
• Nationality: French
• Date of birth: 6th August 1997
• Place of birth: Parma, Italy
• Position: Forward
• Club: Borussia Moenchengladbach

Thuram to Manchester United: Verdict

Manchester United are looking for a goalscorer and it is likely that the club do not have a lot of money to spend in the January transfer window.

Thuram could be a very shrewd signing, available for cheap, in-form, with high potential which Erik ten Hag could develop further.

His contract situation makes him a viable option, and two decades on from nearly signing his dad, United could finally add a Thuram to the squad in 2023.