Erik ten Hag has chosen his long-term Anthony Martial replacement ahead of forward’s summer release

Erik ten Hag is already planning for life without Anthony Martial ahead of the forward’s expected departure this summer.

There had been reports linking Martial with a move away from Manchester United in the current window, however, he has reportedly rebuffed interest in favour of seeing out his contract, which expires in June.

He hasn’t featured in a competitive game since United were overturned 3-0 at home to Bournemouth on December 9. Ten Hag told reporters that the Frenchman’s absence was down to illness – a sickness bug, but Martial’s representative has since come out to clarify that he is actually injured with a hip abductor issue and will require surgery to correct the problem.

It remains to be seen how much the 28-year-old will don the red shirt again before his nine years at Old Trafford draws to a close, especially given that he ranks behind Rasmus Hojlund and often Marcus Rashford in the pecking order upfront.

United will target Dutch international

As per ESPN, Ten Hag views Ajax ace Brian Brobbey as the perfect replacement for Martial in the summer window after failing to strike up a deal when United approached him in 2022.

Brobbey, 21, played under Ten Hag in Amsterdam and has already notched 15 goals and four assists in 26 appearances this term.