According to a report from the United Kingdom, Manchester United are considering bringing in RB Leipzig striker Royce Opponda to bolster their squad. Given Ten Hag's side's sluggish form this season, United have had to revisit their plans to bring in a new striker and set their sights on Opponda. The 23-year-old Bundesliga's third-highest scorer has scored 14 goals in 22 appearances in all competitions this season, including three in two Champions League group games against Manchester City. Manchester United scouts have looked at him and have been impressed with his performances. Leipzig have a £75 million price tag for the player. Other Premier League teams such as Tottenham, as well as the continental giants, are also keeping an eye on him. Manchester United are short on strikers and have scored dismal goals this season, with only two centre-forwards, Hojlund and Anthony Martial. The 23-year-old is at odds with Ten Hag and could leave in the winter transfer window, so reinforcements are needed to bolster the forward line. Ten Hag has even revealed that the club are considering a contract extension for 28-year-old French striker Anthony Martial.
Ironically, the polo king has scored just two goals this season and is paid a whopping £250,000 a week. The club has a one-year extension option but United are said to have negotiated a potential new contract with their agent. Fans were unhappy with Anthony Martial's performances, particularly in the weekend's 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth, where fans booed his start. In addition, Manchester United scouts are also keeping an eye on Leipzig defender Castro Lukeba, a centre-back who is another position Ten Hag wants to strengthen. Anthony Martial touched the ball just 35 times in the game, the fewest of the game, and had just one shot on target. Still, when he was substituted, the home crowd applauded and cheered him for the second time this season that he was turned against by a supporter, and a similar incident happened against Brighton in September. Ten Hag remains unwavering in his affirmation: "He played very well against Everton two weeks ago.
So, he's definitely capable of competing. I don't think it's fair to blame one player for such a performance, it's a failure for the whole team. However, former Crystal Palace defender Delaney has questioned Ten Hag's remarks. He said: 'I can't understand that Anthony Martial has been at Manchester United for nine years and in this game he was a mess. The main reason for his constant mistakes is his lack of fighting spirit and desperate spirit. His slow movement and lack of intent to press or mark people are unforgivable. Maybe you'll retort to me and say, 'What choice do you have for Manchester United?'Hojlund had an injury to rest and Marcus Rashford was punished. But I think even if you get an 18-year-old from the youth team, they can make a bigger contribution, at least they will run around and be more useful than Anthony Martial. Even with Pellistri on the bench, he was able to play more committedly. 'Delaney's views are likely to be on the minds of many United fans.
He said: 'The fact that Anthony Martial is wearing a Manchester United shirt will always be incredible to me. ”