It is no secret that Manchester United want to sign a new striker in the summer, though it is somewhat of a mystery what type of player that will be.
Erik ten Hag achieved success during his first pre-season tour with the mobile Anthony Martial in the forward line, but contradicted that approach somewhat when he signed Wout Weghorst earlier this month. The Dutch forward certainly shares the same traits as a selfless forward committed to pressing high up the pitch, though United are perhaps in need of someone who is selfish enough to score the goals themselves.
Victor Osimhen would appear to be the ideal fit given his incredible season with Napoli, while Harry Kane might be more attainable, even though he is supposedly open to signing a new contract at Tottenham.
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Gonçalo Ramos remains of interest to the club but, despite his hat-trick at the World Cup, is still unproven at the top level, and Ten Hag is also a huge fan of Mohammed Kudus, though he is more of an attacking midfielder than a natural scorer.
What is interesting is that Ten Hag has already suggested that the side would be better off with another mobile forward, rather than a traditional centre-forward.
Just this week, the United manager insisted that United play their "best football" with Martial in the starting XI, suggesting that having another player in that mould would be better for the side.
"When he is there, he is really important for us because we play our best football when he is available," the Dutchman said. "He has to be aware of that as well. So if we want to be successful, we need him. First thing is, he has to be available."
That final sentence is hugely significant. Martial has missed a combined 14 weeks of the season through four separate injuries and has yet to complete 90 minutes. The 27-year-old has missed 18 of United's 31 matches so far this season and was absent again for the trip to face Nottingham Forest in midweek.
On top of all of that, even when he has been fit, he has struggled in front of goal. The Frenchman has only scored five times since his return from an unsuccessful loan spell with Sevilla at the end of last season.
Martial has neither been reliable in terms of availability nor output for United under Ten Hag, though due to a lack of alternatives, he remains a valued squad player when perhaps he shouldn't be.
If United really want to push themselves to the next level, then they need to make some ruthless squad decisions, and moving Martial on in favour of an upgrade might well be a decision they have to make in the near future.
What is certain is that Ten Hag obviously favours playing with a striker who can offer fluidity in the forward line, though his decision to sign Weghorst this month also proves that he isn't afraid to change tactics if necessary.
It could well be that Martial remains the mobile forward that Ten Hag sees as so valuable to his squad, but given his inconsistency this season, that would certainly pose a risk.
Ten Hag has found a style of play that he likes; he just needs the striker to be able to do it every week.
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