With the contract extension of Edinson Cavani and the rapid growth of Mason Greenwood, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has a tough decision to make. With United set to be one of the clubs in for Erling Haaland next summer, Solskjær needs to know who his current central striker will be. Anthony Martial is also one that seems to be seen as a centre forward by the Norwegian.
The Rise of Mason Greenwood
After Greenwood’s performance in the emphatic 5-1 win on the opening day against Leeds, the youngster may just be the number one choice for the time being. The academy graduate scored 7 goals in the Premier League last season, and 10 in his debut campaign. Greenwood’s goal against Leeds puts him as the 5th highest scoring teenager in Premier League history on 18 goals. This puts him behind Nicolas Anelka, Wayne Rooney, Robbie Fowler and Michael Owen. Greenwood also looks to have further adapted to senior football, with the club putting him on a specialist training programme. He is a player United have really protected, keeping him away from media duties until his 19th birthday. Many fans believe if not now, Mason Greenwood will most definitely be Manchester United’s choice centre forward in years to come.
Edinson Cavani’s fire power
With Edinson Cavani due to return to training on Tuesday, the Uruguayan is also player that Solskjær seems to trust. The 34-year-old bagged 17 goals in all competitions last season, surprising a lot of fans. He also got the goal to level things up in the Europa League Final. Cavani looked to be a panic buy from United, but he is someone the Old Trafford faithful adore. A true South American who wears his heart on his sleeve. The man who United fans see as the one who broke the infamous number 7 curse. With Cavani’s age though, it doesn’t seem as though he can play regularly. This will pave the way for Mason Greenwood and possibly even Anthony Martial.
Anthony Martial – Manchester United’s Forgotten Forward
With the Frenchman scoring 4 goals in 22 Premier League games last season, many United fans have lost hope in Anthony Martial. He started to grow back into the team but a long-term injury led to his omission from the France Euro 2020 squad. It seems as though he is a player who has never really kicked on. However, Ole Gunnar Solskjær still believes in the 25-year-old. He is keen on keeping Martial amid talks of a move to Inter Milan. The striker really divides opinion within the fanbase, with some feeling as though he lacks heart and desire on the pitch. Although he wears the number 9, it can be said that he needs to work much harder to be the real first choice striker.
