Manchester United are reportedly considering a move for Watford and Senegal forward Ismaila Sarr as they look to beef up their attacking options.
According to 90 Min, Manchester United are considering making a move to sign Watford attacker Ismaila Sarr after deciding to call off their pursuit of Bologna forward Marko Arnautovic.
Following the injury to Anthony Martial and the uncertainty surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo’s future, Manchester United are desperately seeking attacking reinforcements before the transfer window closes. This desperation led them to Arnautovic, given the 33-year-old’s experience in the Premier League and his familiarity with Erik ten Hag and Steve McClaren, having worked with them at FC Twente.
However, Manchester United decided to call off their pursuit of the Austrian international amid complaints from the fans as well as Bologna’s reluctance to let him leave in a cut-price deal. Having ended their interest in Arnautovic, the Red Devils are now looking at other options to bolster their frontline, with Ismaila Sarr emerging as a target.
Sarr has been on the radars of Manchester United and several other top Premier League clubs in the past, but a move has never materialised. Following Watford’s relegation back to the EFL Championship, the Senegalese international is expected to leave this summer, although there have been no approaches made for him as of yet.
Ismaïla Sarr from a few neighborhoods away ?
(via @beinsports_fr)pic.twitter.com/hkGlb8edJ0
— B/R Football (@brfootball) August 8, 2022
But that could change now with Manchester United setting their sights on Sarr. The 24-year-old has proven himself in England during his three-year stint at Watford. He has racked up 25 goals and 19 assists from 94 appearances for the Hornets, and while those numbers are not mind-blowing, the versatile forward has displayed enough quality to warrant a big move.
Sarr has started the new season for Watford with a bang, scoring and assisting one goal apiece in two Championship matches. Able to play on the right flank or as a centre-forward, the Senegalese international can be a handy addition at Old Trafford, especially as Manchester United look likely to miss out on Antony, who was their primary target to strengthen the right wing.
However, Sarr still has two years left on his contract with the Hertfordshire-based outfit, who could demand a significant fee to let their star forward depart. Whether Manchester United press ahead with their interest in the 24-year-old speedster or decide to go after a more accomplished forward will be interesting to see.