How Anthony Martial almost conned Man United fans – Paul Scholes

Manchester United's Anthony Martial reacts during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Southampton at Old Trafford in Manchester, England, Monday, July 13, 2020. (AP Photo/Peter Powell,Pool)

Paul Scholes has warned Manchester United that they must sign a natural goal-scorer when the transfer window opens in January.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer spent much of the summer chasing a wide-forward player, with Jadon Sancho at the top of his wishlist.

United failed to get close to Borussia Dortmund’s £108million valuation of the England forward, but could go back in for him in the January window.

But Scholes believes United need a centre-forward, despite Anthony Martial scoring 17 Premier League goals from that position last season.

Salford City v Stevenage - Moor Lane, Salford, Britain - August 3, 2019 Salford City's co-owner Paul Scholes watches from the stands [Images/John Clifton]

“These forwards are exceptionally talented lads. We all know that,” Scholes told Stadium Astro. “The problem with United’s forwards is that none of them is an actual centre-forward.

‘”Martial almost conned us into thinking he was one at the end of last season because he scored so many goals and was quite good. ‘He’s started this season quite poorly again, which makes you think he isn’t. It’s misleading.

Manchester United's Anthony Martial, right, celebrates with his teammates after scoring his side's second goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Sheffield United at Old Trafford in Manchester, England, Wednesday, June 24, 2020. (Michael Regan/Pool via AP)

“That’s why I’ve kept saying we need a top-class No. 9.”

United did sign former PSG striker Edinson Cavani on deadline day to provide competition to Martial. But the United legend feels that Cavani's advancing years means he is unlikely to be a long-term answer.