Manchester United make January transfer window decision after forward’s lengthy injury setback

Manchester United confirmed on Wednesday afternoon that Anthony Martial would oversee an extended spell on the sidelines.

The Frenchman has undergone successful surgery for a groin complaint and now faces a rehabilitation period of what’s expected to be around 10 weeks, meaning he may return to action around April.

Given that his contract expires in June, it’s unlikely we’ll see much of Martial in a United shirt again. There’ll be around four weeks worth of fixtures when he returns and the club have reportedly informed him that his one-year option will not be triggered, pulling the curtains on the forward’s nine-year stay at Old Trafford.

United’s debilitating injury crisis continues

Alas, it leaves Erik ten Hag with just two practical options to lead the line for the coming fixtures – Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund, the latter of which is the only recognised No.9 in the senior squad, while the former has often looked out of place when deployed centrally and away from his preferred left flank.

The January window closes a week today and as per the Daily Mail, United won’t be dipping into the loan market to acquire any stop-gap signings in Martial’s absence. The manager will make do with what he has.