Reports: Manchester United eye player-plus-cash deal involving Anthony Martial

What’s the rumour?

According to reports from The Metro, Manchester United are ready to use Anthony Martial as a makeweight in their £40 million pursuit of Borussia Dortmund star Christian Pulisic.

In case you didn't know...

An American international, Pulisic caught the eye in the 2016-17 season when he made 43 appearances for Dortmund, scoring 5 and setting up 13 goals for the club. He has been a vital part of their squad since.

A fast, technically sound winger, he is capable of playing on either flank and in a more central role behind the striker This season he has played 41 times for the German club and has had a hand in 12 goals.

The 19-year-old has a contract at Dortmund till 2020.

The heart of the matter

Martial has fallen down the pecking order at United following the arrival of Alexis Sanchez. Both of them are effective when played on the left-wing and Mourinho has preferred to start Sanchez regularly.

Thus Mourinho may be open to letting go of the Martial if he demands an exit and is exploring the possibility of including him in a deal that would see Pulisic head to Old Trafford.

Despite Martial scoring 11 goals and making 9 assists this season, Mourinho does not have a natural winger to deploy on the right flank. As such, a move for Pulisic will solve the issue as he is capable of playing as a right-winger.

Rumour rating/probability - 7/10

Multiple sources are reporting the same news and there may be some truth after all in the rumours. But as of now, a deal is very far away from being agreed upon.

Video: Pulisic in action this season

Author’s take

Both Martial and Pulisic are two incredibly talented youngsters who are destined for greatness. Signing Pulisic may help bring balance to United's squad but the fact that Martial is a fan-favourite makes the task tougher for Mourinho and may pile the pressure on him if the American fails to perform.