FOR the second straight year, Manchester United is turning to French club Monaco to solve its striker shortage in the final hours of Europe’s summer transfer window.

    Twelve months ago, it was Radamel Falcao. This time, it’s Anthony Martial.

    The French Football Federation said Monday that Martial, a 19-year-old forward who has been compared to France great Thierry Henry, was granted permission to leave France’s national squad to sign a contract with the Red Devils.

    Reports in the French and English media said Martial will cost United 36 million pounds (US$55.5 million), a hefty fee for a player who has just been called up by France for the first time ahead of friendlies against Serbia and Portugal. Martial only signed a new contract at Monaco this summer until 2019.

    United is taking a gamble on Martial after the team scored just three goals in its opening four matches of the Premier League season. Wayne Rooney has been used by United manager Louis van Gaal as a lone striker, but hasn’t scored in the league since April 4. United lost 1-2 at Swansea City on Sunday.

    Martial can play as a winger or as a central striker, and has played at all youth levels for France. He scored nine goals in 35 league matches last season and is widely regarded as one of the brightest young players in French football.

    With his speed, technical skills and penchant for cutting in from the left, Martial has many of the same attributes as Henry — France’s record goalscorer and a Premier League great from his time at Arsenal.

    (SD-Agencies)