Manchester United forward Anthony Martial has successfully undergone surgery for a groin issue, with an anticipated recovery period of approximately 10 weeks, hinting at a potential return in April.
Given Martial’s contract expiration in June, it appears unlikely for him to play a significant role in a United shirt again. The club reportedly informed him that they won’t activate the one-year extension, marking the end of his nine-year association with Old Trafford.
This development compounds Manchester United’s existing injury concerns, particularly in the attacking department. With Martial sidelined, manager Erik ten Hag faces limited practical options for the forward position.
Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund emerge as primary choices, with Hojlund being the sole recognized No.9 in the senior squad, and Rashford potentially taking on a more central role. As the January transfer window nears closure, Manchester United is reportedly not planning to seek loan signings to compensate for Martial’s absence. Instead, the club intends to rely on existing squad members to navigate through the injury crisis.
This places additional pressure on Rashford and Hojlund to step up in Martial’s absence. The decision not to pursue loan signings reflects a commitment to working with the current squad and finding internal solutions to address striking needs, aligning with the management’s strategy. The performance of Rashford and Hojlund in this challenging period remains to be seen.
