Manchester United is gearing up for the rest of the season as the Red Devils continue to fight to end the campaign well. Manager Erik ten Hag has a lot of hard work and decisions ahead, especially considering the significant number of injuries affecting the squad.
While newcomer Rasmus Hojlund has finally found his form in front of the opposition net, United did not manage to secure any suitable replacements for him. Additionally, with the injury to Anthony Martial, United will have to be cautious.
Erik ten Hag talks on Anthony Martial replacement
A good striker is pivotal to any team and Erik ten Hag knows that perfectly. Rasmus Hojlund has been brilliant in the last games after a poor start to the season. While Marcus Rashford can also play there, he has been underwhelming this season.
The only backup is Anthony Martial but the French striker has been injured since December. Hojlund is now said to be missing the next two weeks due to a groin injury he has suffered, and this has put many concerned as to who will lead the United frontline.
Now Erik ten Hag has revealed that he wanted to bring in a new striker in the January transfer window. After he learned that Martial won’t be returning to the pitch, he wanted the club to get a new striker in, but it wasn’t possible due to Financial Fair Play rules.
đź”´đź‘€ Ten Hag: "When I got the news about Martial at the start of January, I really tried to get another striker in".
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 24, 2024
"But because we are vulnerable there, FFP was the thing, we couldn’t do it. Now we have other options, I'm sure it will be ok". pic.twitter.com/bM68oD39Mc
“When I got the news about Martial at the start of January, I really tried to get another striker in. But because we are vulnerable there, FFP was the thing, we couldn’t do it.” But ten Hag remains optimistic about the next games, “Now we have other options, I’m sure it will be ok.”
When will Anthony Martial return from injury?
Anthony Martial may not be preferred by the majority of fans due to his poor performances, but he was still a backup option for Erik ten Hag. The 28 year old has only managed to score 2 goals in the 19 games he has played so far. In fact, his contract will expire this summer and United plan not to extend his contract any further.
Martial last played for the club on December 9, during their home defeat to Bournemouth, and fans cheered his substitution off the pitch. A groin injury required surgery, and his rehabilitation period is expected to be around 10 weeks. This means that we might not see the Frenchman return to the pitch until April at best.
Martial has been quite injury prone in his career, and was recently even axed from the squad. United will most certainly let him go for free this summer to open up space on their wage bill. For now Erik ten Hag will have to make do for Manchester United in tonight’s game against Fulham, and will hope for a victory to get closer to the top of the table.
