Weird that you say Martial didn't step up. He had 15 goals and 10 assists in the first half of last season (before Sanchez came in for them and basically took his spot). Plenty of Man U fans aren't happy with the purchase of Alexis, especially since it took Martial out of the team.
Yes him as well!
Now I think Sarri has a real job ahead of him of deciding who gets to play and who doesn't. Luiz and Ampadu look terrific as a CB duo (granted against a poor side) while we still have Christensen and Rudiger on our books (and probably Cahill who will somehow get to start).
The midfield is also curious. Pasalic and Barkley are now knocking on the door with Drinkwater, Kanté, Bakayoko, Jorginho and Fabregas expecting to play a lot.
This is what I've been thinking. Bats could maybe flourish in this system. He is a poacher that can sometimes score wonderful goals. He can pass and he is hungry for success.
Options are always nice but this move seems unnecessary. If we do buy another midfielder, Milinkovic-Savic would be a better fit.
I agree that options are nice. However, Pjanic will never come here just to be an option. I doubt Jorginho said no to Manchester City to sit on our bench. Kanté is untouchable. Of course if we would get Pjanic then we would probably be resistant to any sort of pressing from other teams! We would also have to rely heavily on the striker and wingers since I doubt Pjanic, Jorginho and Kanté would score 20 goals per season together. I just don't get this move. I rather think buying Golovin would make much more sense.
Do we really need him? I would have loved to take him a few years ago, but now with Jorginho I don't think we need Pjanic.
Also, a midfield of Pjanic, Jorginho and Kanté looks very small with Jorginho the tallest at 1.80 cm!