Marcus Thuram of Borussia Moenchengladbach in action during the UEFA Europa League group J match between AS Roma and Borussia Moenchengladbach at Stadio Olimpico. (Getty Images)
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5 goals, 5 assists – Man United signing 22-year-old French sensation would mean a bright future

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Why Manchester United should plot a January swoop for Marcus Thuram

Back in January, the Sun had claimed that Manchester United had sent scouts to watch Marcus Thuram, who was then plying his trade for Guingamp.

A former France under-20 international, Marcus Thuram joined Guingamp from Sochaux in 2017. He scored 13 goals in all competitions but couldn’t help Guingamp avoid the drop from Ligue 1. After Guingamp suffered relegation, the 22-year-old was snapped up by Borussia Monchengladbach in the summer.

Thuram, 22, has hit the ground running with his new club in the Bundesliga.

Guingamp's French forward Marcus Thuram (R) vies with Strasbourg's French midfielder Ibrahima Sissoko during the French League Cup final football match Guingamp vs Strasbourg. (Getty Images)
Guingamp’s French forward Marcus Thuram (R) vies with Strasbourg’s French midfielder Ibrahima Sissoko during the French League Cup final football match Guingamp vs Strasbourg. (Getty Images)

His 5 goals and 5 assists in 11 games have propelled Borussia Monchengladbach to the top of the Bundesliga table and have seen the forward win the Bundesliga Rookie of the Month award for both September and October.

The Italy-born Frenchman has been a key part of Gladbach’s success. With his goals proving crucial for Marco Rose’s side, Manchester United must reignite their interest in Thuram during the January transfer window.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s young United squad have struggled to score goals this season. The Norwegian offloaded Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez in the summer but didn’t replace them, handing Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial the responsibility of scoring goals.

That move hasn’t worked according to his expectations as the Red Devils have managed just 16 goals in 12 league games.

Marcus Thuram of Borussia Moenchengladbach in action during the UEFA Europa League group J match between AS Roma and Borussia Moenchengladbach at Stadio Olimpico. (Getty Images)
Marcus Thuram of Borussia Moenchengladbach in action during the UEFA Europa League Group J match between AS Roma and Borussia Moenchengladbach at Stadio Olimpico. (Getty Images)

United may have improved since Martial’s return to the team from injury but need reinforcements in case injury strikes again. Marcus Rashford failed to lead the line in Martial’s absence, while Mason Greenwood is too young to start games week in, week out. With that in mind, Solskjaer must bolster his striking options in the New Year and go for Marcus Thuram.

Standing at 6ft 4in tall, Thuram has proved himself to be an effective striker for Gladbach. He likes to make runs in behind the defenders and is a real handful in the box.

The 22-year-old has developed into a well-rounded forward and he would be a great option to support the likes of Rashford and Martial in the United attack.

Marcus Thuram celebrates after scoring for Guingamp. (Getty Images)
Marcus Thuram celebrates after scoring for Guingamp. (Getty Images)

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In fact, Thuram and Martial could dovetail perfectly for Solskjaer’s side and they are both at an age where they could play together. Furthermore, the Frenchman would offer the Red Devils a very different dimension up front, thanks largely to his 6ft 4in frame.

Verdict

Thuram has the required qualities to be a success in the Premier League. He has enjoyed an excellent start to life at Gladbach and has the potential to replicate his performances at Old Trafford if a move goes through in January.