Anthony Martial for Alexis Sanchez
Alexis Sanchez has not been among the goals but he the fact that he has improved in a United shirt is there for all to see. However, his failure to link up with Lukaku and disturbing inability to leave defenders for dead in the final third is clawing United back.
The tough love that Mourinho showed Luke Shaw worked wonders and the same seems to be happening in the case of Anthony Martial. Against Young Boys in the Champions League and against Derby County in the Carabao Cup (the two recent matches that Martial has started), he has shown a lot of promise.
Martial’s close control that gives defenders nightmares is helping United cause havoc in the opposition’s defensive third and if United’s conversion rate in front of goal was better, the Frenchman’s stats would look a lot better.
He is not afraid to take on defenders and his quick turn of pace and ability to slalom past defenders in addition to the fact that he plays much better with Pogba and Lukaku make this a no-brainer.
The 22-year-old who had a spectacular debut season at Old Trafford looks to be regaining the confidence that made him such a menacing presence down the left flank. He needs a steady run of games and like it was afforded to Sanchez so far, it should be given to Martial as well.
Marcus Rashford for Romelu Lukaku
Jose Mourinho keeps reiterating in different forms that no player is above the law. If you want to play for Manchester United, you have to perform your duties to the best of your abilities. Romelu Lukaku is simply not doing that anymore for Manchester United.
He has missed more sitters already this season than what can be counted on fingers. He has looked off the pace and seems to be going through a rough patch though his numbers would suggest otherwise. Lukaku’s misses are costing Manchester United points and that simply should not be let to continue.
The case against Lukaku is quite strong with Marcus Rashford waiting patiently for his chances. Rashford changes the dynamic of United’s game in the final third and he has quite an eye for goal. Jose Mourinho should trust the youngster with a good run of games and see where it takes him. At worst, he can still do as well as Lukaku is doing right now.
On top of that, Martial and Rashford in the same team can make Manchester United a force to be reckoned with on the counter.
In this predicament that the Red Devils find themselves in, a gamble is warranted. When they have the personnel to change things around or bring something new to the table, Jose shouldn’t back off from making some brave decisions.
If it’s broken, you got to fix it, right?