Manchester United Transfer News: Marco Reus Rumours, Anthony Martial Criticism

Manchester United might have already laid the groundwork for a swap deal aimed at landing Borussia Dortmund forward Marco Reus. That's the view of Daily Star Sunday writer Paul Hetherington.

He thinks United's decision to loan Belgian winger Adnan Januzaj to the Bundesliga club can pave the way for Reus to move to Old Trafford: "Officially, Januzaj is in Germany to further his experience and is due to return to United next summer. But if the Belgium attacker impresses with the German side, Dortmund may be prepared to discuss an exchange deal."

This is a rather tricky one to believe. Hetherington mentions one obvious obstacle, namely interest from Premier League rivals Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City.

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There's also La Liga giants Real Madrid to consider. Los Blancos are "eyeing Reus' situation," according to Hetherington.

But intense competition isn't the only thing standing between United and Reus. If the Red Devils are hoping Januzaj impresses enough to convince Dortmund to cash in on Reus, they could be waiting awhile.

Januzaj has ability and shows little fear even against high-profile opposition. But the young United loanee has struggled to deliver on his full potential. The fact he's even being loaned out, two seasons after breaking into the first team at Old Trafford, is an indication of Januzaj's stalled development.

By contrast, Reus is a true star. His lightning pace, clever movement and quality finishing make him a threat against any defence.

Sport Witness remains skeptical about this deal, not least because of Reus suffering a toe injury. Staying healthy—more like the failure to stay healthy—is a major issue for the gifted Germany international. So is the idea of Dortmund actually believing they could replace their brittle but outrageously talented star with the inconsistent Januzaj.

John Collins Questions Anthony Martial Deal

Former AS Monaco playmaker John Collins has stated the feeling in Monaco is still one of astonishment at United signing forward Anthony Martial. Collins explained how friends from his days with the Ligue 1 club remain shocked by what the Red Devils gave up for the 19-year-old attacker, per the Daily Star's Chisanga Malata:

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They’re very intelligent and they know football inside out and everybody here is absolutely astounded at the price Manchester United have paid and I mean absolutely astounded.

He’s made 53 appearances, 27 as a substitute, and he’s only completed four games. Manchester United have taken a huge gamble on potential, because he’s not actually produced week in, week out.

"

By now, United fans must be used to hearing this tune. There haven't been many who've resisted the urge to criticise the decision to unload a fortune for a teenage prospect.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger recently claimed Martial could cost the Reds as much as €80 million, per an interview with beIN Sports (h/t Sky Sports): "That means it's not the money that's missing at the moment, it's not the desire of investment that is missing, it's the number of players available who can strengthen the big clubs."

Perhaps to counter all of the naysayers, Stuart Mathieson of the Manchester Evening News has revealed how United had to spend big to secure a player wanted by Chelsea, City, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain next summer.

He explained how the mega-rich quartet wanted to strike pre-contract agreements with the Ligue 1 side this winter. Mathieson also reports how United assistant gaffer Ryan Giggs scouted Martial for over a year and lobbied for this deal to be made.

Lost in all the talk of how much United paid has been the issue of Martial's talent. Make no mistake, this is a player with a very bright future, although B/R analyst Sam Tighe wisely thinks it's best to temper initial expectations for a player who is naturally more potential than finished product:

His pace is incredible, but what's more impressive is how he uses it. Martial makes smart runs, particularly those starting from the inside left channel.

His wanderlust makes him very difficult for defenders to track. It also means he consistently makes himself a target for a creative player who can slide passes between the lines.

United striker Wayne Rooney is one such player who thrives with pace around him. That explains United's interest in Reus, as well as the decision to stump up the cash for Martial.

The young Frenchman will make the grade at Old Trafford. He's certainly more likely to be a United star than Reus is to arrive in exchange for Januzaj.