Following another sub-standard season, Anthony Martial’s underwhelming career at Manchester United could end this summer.
United boss Erik ten Hag has reportedly lost patience with the 27-year-old and is open to selling him to the highest bidder in the upcoming transfer window.
With a year left to run on Martial’s contract at Old Trafford, the Red Devils are unlikely to recoup the staggering €51.1 million they paid Monaco in 2015.
According to Fichajes, Ten Hag has earmarked Bayer Leverkusen speed demon Moussa Diaby as a perfect candidate to replace his compatriot at the Theatre of Dreams.
However, Man United may have to overcome stiff competition from Real Madrid and the Frenchman’s boyhood club Paris Saint-Germain to fulfil the Dutchman’s wish.
Let’s assess Diaby’s potential switch to Manchester.
Pros
Versatile attacking option
Diaby’s blistering pace and impressive technical skills allow him to play anywhere along the frontline, meaning he can operate equally well on both flanks and behind a striker.
With Antony and Jadon Sancho blowing hot and cold in 2022/23, having a player of the Frenchman’s characteristics would be a tremendous addition for United, especially with the Champions League waiting in the wings.
Left-footed forward
Top-class left-footed forwards have become a rare commodity in today’s football. Antony is Ten Hag’s only left-footed option in the attacking third, so Diaby’s signing makes sense.
With Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes, Anthony Elanga and Alejandro Garnacho all using their right foot, United could use another left-footed attacker to ensure more diversity in the front third.
Cons
High price tag
As reported by Florian Plettenberg a few months ago, Leverkusen may ask up to €80m to let their prized asset leave the BayArena this summer.
Man United forked out a similar figure to prise Antony away from Ajax last summer. But it’s hard to say the Brazilian’s move has panned out as expected despite several flashes of brilliance from the winger.
That’s not to mention they wasted a small fortune on landing Sancho from Borussia Dortmund a couple of years ago, only for the Englishman to flop in the Premier League.
Less playing time for Garnacho
Diaby’s possible arrival would probably suffocate up-and-coming Garnacho, who enjoyed an eye-catching breakthrough season under Ten Hag in 2022/23.
As one of the most highly-rated youngsters in the Premier League, the 18-year-old was a breath of fresh air amid Sancho’s woeful form and Martial’s recurring injury problems.
But if Diaby does join Man United, the Argentine teenage sensation may find his game time at a premium.
