Monaco's French forward Anthony Martial (R) vies with PSG defender Serge Aurier. (AFP Photo)
Manchester, England: For the second straight year, Manchester United is turning to French club Monaco to solve its striker shortage in the final hours of Europe's summer transfer window.
Twelve months ago, it was Radamel Falcao. This time, it's Anthony Martial.
The French Football Federation said Monday that Martial, a 19-year-old forward who has been compared to France great Thierry Henry, was granted permission to leave France's national squad to sign a contract at United.
Reports in the French and English media said Martial will cost United 36 million pounds ($55.5 million), a hefty fee for a player who has just been called up by France for the first time ahead of upcoming friendlies against Serbia and Portugal. Martial only signed a new contract at Monaco this summer until 2019.
United is taking a gamble on Martial after the team scored just three goals in its opening four matches of the Premier League season. Wayne Rooney has been used by United manager Louis van Gaal as a lone striker, but hasn't scored in the league since April 4.
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