Manchester United are ready to put a £57m signing up for sale this summer to put towards a blockbuster new arrival, Fabrizio Romano believes.
Erik ten Hag has made an excellent start to his reign at Old Trafford and on Wednesday can claim a 14th successive home success. And with managerless Leeds on the horizon, they will go into the game as huge favourites as they seek the win that will take them level on points with Manchester City.
Truth be told, United are performing way higher than forecasts under the Dutchman. Having slumped home in sixth last season, Ten Hag will have targeted a big improvement and to close that gap on the top sides. Last season, that stood at a worrying 35 points.
However, success over Leeds will move them level on points with City, albeit having played a game more and with an inferior goal difference.
All the same, if United continue on their current path it won’t be long before they can start planning for Champions League football again.
That will also give United an even greater appeal in their quest for more summer signings. And having spent very modestly in January, United are likely to go big this summer in their quest to further strengthen their squad.
Indeed, the United manager will reportedly look to target three big-money arrivals. Top of his wishlist remains a new, big-name striker to fill the void left by Cristiano Ronaldo. A new right-back and another midfielder are also on his wishlist.
And to help generate even greater funds, a report has claimed the club will look to sell six big-name stars this summer.
Man Utd looking to sell Anthony Martial
Of that six, one of the bigger names seemingly up for grabs are Anthony Martial.
The Frenchman moved to Old Trafford back in summer 2015 for a fee which ultimately topped £57m. Now in his eighth season at the club, Martial has scored 85 goals in 283 appearances for the Red Devils.
However, despite being admired and having the respect of Ten Hag, Martial has been limited to six Premier League starts this season. And while he has six goals in his 14 appearances across all competitions, he appears down the pecking order at Old Trafford.
Indeed, the emergence of Alejandro Garnacho appears to have made Ten Hag’s mind up. And with Jadon Sancho, Anthony Elanga and Marcus Rashford also as options down the wide attacking slots, time appears to be up for Martial.
Now Romano is confirming that Ten Hag is seemingly willing to listen to offers for the 27-year-old this summer.
And with United also pursuing a new central striker, Romano has told Caught Offside that Martial’s time appears to be at Old Trafford.
“Ten Hag appreciates Martial as a player but as Manchester United will go for new striker, there’s a chance that they will put Anthony on the market in the summer; this is possible, yes. There are currently no negotiations with clubs to sell him.”
Martial was loaned to Sevilla last season, while has been regularly linked to the likes of Inter Milan and Juventus.
Ten Hag reportedly has three names he’s considering as a new striker for United this summer.
And with Victor Osimhen seemingly the top target, United may need to spend as much as £107m (€120m) to prise him from Napoli.
Source: teamtalk.com
