Manchester United Reportedly Want Anthony Martial, Christian Pulisic Swap Deal

Manchester United will reportedly attempt to use Anthony Martial as a makeweight in a potential deal that would bring Christian Pulisic from Borussia Dortmund to Old Trafford. 

According to David McDonnell of the Daily Mirror, the Red Devils are ready to let Martial move on after an inconsistent third season at the club. Pulisic is said to be on United's radar as a potential summer target.

"The £40 million-rated Pulisic has also caught the eye of Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal, but United have now turned their attention to him, with Martial being used as a potential makeweight," continued McDonnell.

It's added that the versatility of Pulisic has caught the eye of Red Devils boss Mourinho, as he can operate on either flank or through the middle of the pitch.

The Portuguese is also said to have finally given up on Martial following his disappointing performance in the 1-0 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion on Friday in the Premier League. As noted below by 101 Great Goals, Mourinho made his feelings known after that game:

Martial started the season well for United, as he and Marcus Rashford were rotated in the spot on the left flank. Having been inconsistent throughout 2016-17, it appeared as though the Frenchman was on course for an excellent campaign.

Still, while he has nine goals and five assists in the top flight this season, it's not all been straightforward for the forward, who has been pushed closer and closer to the periphery of the side in recent weeks.

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The arrival of Alexis Sanchez, who operates in the left-wing position too, has made it even tougher for Martial to get minutes. However, Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News believes the 22-year-old has had plenty of chances to impress his manager:

Pulisic would be an intriguing replacement for Martial if this type of transfer was to go ahead, as stylistically he is different to the United No. 11.

While Martial's game is centred around explosive pace and powerful running, Pulisic's is based on neat footwork and moving the ball quickly.

United have done business with Dortmund in recent years, too, with Shinji Kagawa and Henrikh Mkhitaryan arriving at Old Trafford in the past. Commentator Ian Darke believes Pulisic would be a fine fit for Liverpool:

Not only have United had mixed success with signing players from BVB, at this moment in time Mourinho doesn't feel like the right type of coach for someone such as Pulisic. 

The marginalisation of Martial is indicative of that. While the United winger remains an enigma, there's no doubt about the raw talent he possesses and how effective he could be if those attributes are channelled correctly. It looks increasingly likely he'll have to go elsewhere to fulfil that potential.