Manchester United may be better off buying Lautaro Martinez rather than Harry Kane or Victor Osimhen, says Paul Scholes
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Published 16/03/2023 at 18:33 GMT
Manchester United should look at Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez in their search for a new striker, says former Red Devil Paul Scholes. The Old Trafford club have been linked with Harry Kane of Tottenham and Napoli's Victor Osimhen, but Scholes thinks the Argentina international would be a better fit. He also touched on how United's midfield needs to step up without the suspended Casemiro.
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Manchester United should consider a summer move for Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez, according to Paul Scholes, as the former Red Devils midfielder isn’t convinced that a move for Tottenham captain Harry Kane is realistic.
United have been linked with a summer move for several strikers, including Kane and Napoli star Victor Osimhen.
However, Scholes isn’t convinced by either player and instead flagged up Argentinean Martinez to lead the line for United next season.
“I don’t think Kane will move from Tottenham at this point,” Scholes told BT Sport, ahead of United's Europa League second leg Round of 16 tie with Real Betis.
“I think it’s tricky business dealing with Daniel Levy, he could string you on right to the very last minute of the transfer window and leave you with nothing.
“I think there are other players out there, like Osimhen. I haven’t seen loads of him, but I see him as more of a [Didier] Drogba type, possibly more of a Chelsea-type centre-forward.”
Osimhen scored a terrific header in Napoli’s 3-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday, which sent the Italians into the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time.
“Is he going to get those kind of crosses at United? That’s the thing,” Scholes added.
“I like Lautaro Martinez at Inter Milan. I think he’s Ten Hag’s type of player. He likes a centre-forward who will run about, be aggressive, get against people. There are options.
“I like Manchester United’s centre-forwards as they are. I like Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial. We all know the quality they’ve got. There are options out there and let’s hope we can bring one in.”
'Someone has to step up' in Casemiro absence
One of United’s most successful signings from the previous summer transfer window was Casemiro from Real Madrid, who has impressed in midfield since his arrival in England.
However, the Brazil international picked up his second red card of the season against Southampton last weekend and will be suspended for the next four games.
“They’ve not performed very well without him when he’s not playing – a win percentage of 76% with him and only 43% without him,” said former England midfielder Owen Hargreaves.
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Casemiro (l./Manchester United) against Newcastle United
Image credit: Getty Images
“I know the body of work was a lot smaller and it was the start of the season, but the impact he’s had on the team has affected everyone. I think [Christian] Eriksen not playing as well has had an impact.
“But somebody is going to have to step up in his place. I know he’s cost a lot of money and he’s won a lot of things, but I don’t think even he could’ve realised it could have gone as well as it has – he’s been that good.”
Marcel Sabitzer, who joined United on loan from Bayern Munich on January deadline day, or Scott McTominay look likely to step in while Casemiro is unavailable.
“It’s very hard to find a player as good as Casemiro anywhere in world football at the moment, he’s been that good for United, that good for Real Madrid over the last few years,” said Scholes.
“Sabitzer is really experienced, he’s been at a top club in Bayern Munich, you’ve also got McTominay.
“It’s a big part of the season now for United, just to make sure they don’t fall by the wayside in big games without their main player. Sabitzer and McTominay will have a big part to play.”
Casemiro will be suspended for Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final against Fulham and the subsequent three Premier League games against Newcastle, Brentford and Everton.
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