A wide forward or a number nine?
That has been the question that has plagued Anthony Martial's Manchester United career.
After a career-best tally of 21 goals last season, the Frenchman's regression has left big question marks over his long-term future in the United XI.
MEN Sport understands that Erling Haaland is United's priority striker target to replace Romelu Lukaku, with both Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and John Murtough prioritising the arrival of a central striker this summer.
That, understandably, puts Martial's position in the team under great threat. For years, the debate has raged over whether the 25-year-old is best from the left-hand side or down the middle.
Upon Solskjaer's arrival and Lukaku's departure, Martial was reunited with his favoured number nine shirt, which had been stripped from him following Zlatan Ibrahimovic's arrival under Jose Mourinho and then given to Lukaku.
Martial's form last season seemingly put an end to doubts over his position as he hit 21 goals, including six goals in nine Premier League matches after the season restarted in June.
While Luke Shaw, arguably Manchester United's best player this season, has risen to the challenge of Alex Telles' arrival, Martial has shrunk into his shell since Edinson Cavani pitched up at Old Trafford.
The Uruguayan striker has outscored Martial with six league goals in just nine starts, whilst the Frenchman has only notched four in 17.
In truth, had it not been for Cavani's fitness problems, which have frustrated United, it is likely Martial would have not started as many as 17 matches. It's undeniable that United have looked much stronger as an attacking unit with Cavani as their focal point.
Regardless of Martial's waning goal output, he has looked burdened by the responsibility of leading United's attack, rather than hungry to meet the demands of a critical role in Solskjaer's side.
It's with little surprise then, that United are looking to find a lethal man in front of goal. Earlier this week, Rio Ferdinand likened Haaland to his former teammates Ruud van Nistelrooy, widely accepted as one of the deadliest forwards to have graced the Premier League.
"It's a big responsibility, of course," Van Nistelrooy told Vibe with Five, when asked by Ferdinand about the responsibility of being Manchester United's number nine.
"When people are welcoming you, everyone is on a great positive vibe and that's the beginning. After one or two seasons, the responsibility and you start to feel that, with every game.
"That's the pressure you have to deal with. As the expectations grow, the press are there, one game you don't score and it's a big problem. That's something you have to deal with and it's a huge responsibility."
In a sink-or-swim season, Martial has been weighted down at the bottom of the ocean, despite his raw talent and flashes of brilliance.
Solskjaer has placed plenty of faith in Martial but this season he hasn't delivered the goods. Only time will tell if the threat of a new number nine can spark him into life.
