3 Lyon stars Manchester United should try to trade for Anthony Martial


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Anthony Martial’s time at Manchester United seems to be running out. Air sports reported Martial wants to leave Old Trafford in January, and now is a good time to move on.

Martial is no longer in favor, having started just two Premier League games this season. In the midst of injuries and the competition for places, there is simply no longer a need.

VILLARREAL, SPAIN – NOVEMBER 23: Anthony Martial of Manchester United runs with the ball during the UEFA Champions League Group F match between Villarreal CF and Manchester United at Estadio de la Ceramica on November 23, 2021 in Villarreal, Spain. (Photo by Eric Alonso / Getty Images)

There has not yet been a rush of clubs making offers to sign him, with his high salaries at United potentially complicating any move.

According to the French point of sale RMC Sport, the Lyon Ligue 1 team are interested – although most likely in a loan.

Lyon could be a good move for Martial, a club where he could play regularly. They helped stabilize Memphis Depay’s career after his stint at Old Trafford turned sour.

United may need to get a little creative. Potentially, Martial could be used in a swap deal, essentially waiving any transfer fees for the forward, with a player moving to Old Trafford instead.

Here’s a look at three players United should try to trade with Lyon in a trade for Martial …

Lille OSC - Olympique Lyonnais - Ligue 1
LILLE, FRANCE – DECEMBER 12: Bruno Guimaraes of Lyon during the Uber Eats Ligue 1 match between Lille OSC (LOSC) and Olympique Lyonnais (OL) at Pierre Mauroy stadium on December 12, 2021 in Villeneuve d’Ascq near Lille, France. (Photo by John Berry / Getty Images)

Bruno Guimarães

Bruno Guimaraes is a defensive midfielder who would fill a needed position at Manchester United, while Martial plays a role where the club is overloaded.

Guimaraes, 24, is averaging 2.1 tackles per game in Ligue 1 this season, and he’s also good with the ball, which matches Ralf Rangnick’s forward passing style.

FBRef.com reports that Guimaraes has made 118 passes in the penalty area this season, the highest of any Ligue 1 player.

Off the ball he ranks fourth among all players for successful presses, and the Brazilian could be an ideal improvement over Nemanja Matic.

Olympique Lyon v Rangers FC: Group A - UEFA Europa League
LYON, FRANCE – DECEMBER 09: Maxence Caqueret of Olympique Lyonnais runs with the ball during the UEFA Europa League Group A match between Olympique Lyon and Rangers FC at Parc Olympique on December 9, 2021 in Lyon, France . (Photo by Marcio Machado / Eurasia Sport Images / Getty Images)

Maxence Caqueret

Maxence Caqueret, 21, is a promising midfielder who could develop under Rangnick’s leadership. Caqueret averages 1.8 tackles per game.

FBRef.com report that Caqueret ranks in the top three percent of Europe’s top five leagues for off-ball pressure, a key trait Rangnick looks for in his players.

Caqueret’s age and profile might appeal to the new United boss, and Lyon might be more likely to accept his departure than Guimaraes.

Lille OSC v Olympique Lyonnais - Ligue 1 Uber Eats
LILLE, FRANCE – DECEMBER 12: Rayan Cherki of Lyon (L) plays against Andre Benjamin of Lille (R) during the Uber Eats Ligue 1 match between Lille OSC and Olympique Lyonnais at Stade Pierre Mauroy on December 12, 2021 in Lille, France. (Photo by Marcio Machado / Eurasia Sport Images / Getty Images)

Rayan cherki

Two years ago, Rayan Cherki was considered one of the best young players in Europe, with The independent reporting that United tried to sign him at 16.

The teenager did not start as Lyon had hoped, with just two starts in Ligue 1 this season and a handful of substitutes.

With Martial a French international, Lyon could be ready to let Cherki go to land the United star, while the Red Devils would bet on the teenager’s potential.

There is plenty of time for the 18-year-old to do well, and Rangnick would appreciate the opportunity to work with him.

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