Anthony Martial lacks the desire to score goals for Manchester United, according to former Premier League striker Alan Shearer.

What's the word?

Martial, 25, has struggled to replicate the form that saw him score 23 goals in all competitions last season as he has only managed to score just seven goals in 31 appearances.

The Frenchman failed to find the back of the net once again in United's 3-1 win over Newcastle United and Shearer believes he doesn't have the mindset to be Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's main man.

“When you consider that Man United are top scorers in the Premier League with 53, and he’s got four, I don’t think that’s anywhere near enough," Shearer told Match of the Day 2 after the game.

“Apparently he’s the one that says he wants to play centre forward and he deserves to be in there. Well, his numbers have to be a lot better if he wants to play in that position.

“I wouldn’t say it’s a lack of experience. This is his sixth season at Manchester United. I wouldn’t say a lack of experience is a problem at all, I would say it’s his lack of hunger and lack of desire you need to get in there to constantly score goals."

“He had a good season in terms of numbers last season but you have to do that on a regular basis, particularly when Man United are scoring as many as they are.”

Perfect Anthony Martial replacement?

Well, it just so happens that United may have already identified the ideal replacement.

Last week, Sky Germany claimed the Red Devils were reportedly eyeing a move for Eintracht Frankfurt frontman Andre Silva, and it's easy to see why when you take a closer look at the numbers.

Besides the fact that the 25-year-old has been in scintillating form for Eintracht - he's scored 19 goals and provided a further five assists - it's the fact that he predominantly plays as an out and out centre-forward that surely marks him as the perfect signing for Solskjaer.

United may find themselves second in the Premier League right now, but attacking midfielder Bruno Fernandes is their top scorer with 15 goals in 25 top-flight appearances this season thus far.

While Marcus Rashford isn't too far behind, the same can't be said for Martial and Mason Greenwood, with just five goals between them so far this season, as per WhoScored.

In terms of his numbers, Silva would rank top of the entire United first team for the number of shots taken (3.7 per 90), sixth for dribbles completed (1) and seventh for key passes (1), which illustrates the value he could add to Solskjaer's side.

It's perhaps hardly surprising, then, that Silva has earned rave reviews from across the continent, with Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo claiming his countryman was “doing a phenomenal job" during his time at Porto, while he has even been compared to Robert Lewandowski. Say no more.

His manager Adi Hutter said: “Andre Silva is the solo forward up top, but he does it really well. His composure on penalties reminds me of Robert Lewandowski, who always turns ice cold.”

Ed Woodward shouldn't blink twice before making a summer move for the Portugal international. Just imagine Silva and Fernandes combining with a supporting case of Rashford, Edinson Cavani, Scott McTominay and Paul Pogba.

AND in other news, Forget Kingsley Coman: Man Utd should sign Jadon Sancho instead...