Transfer Centre

Manchester United 'not expected to sign Anthony Martial replacement in January'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 25 January 2024

Man Utd 'not expected to sign Martial replacement in January'

Manchester United reportedly have no plans to sign an alternative to the injured Anthony Martial during the January transfer window.

Manchester United are reportedly not looking to sign a new forward during the January transfer window.

The Red Devils have just endured a disappointing first half of the campaign, most notably being eliminated from the Champions League after finishing at the bottom of their group.

While 10 wins have been posted in 21 Premier League fixtures, Erik ten Hag has also overseen nine defeats and witnessed his team score only 24 goals.

As a result, speculation has persisted that a new attacker may be acquired before the end of the month to provide competition for Rasmus Hojlund.

Anthony Martial has been fulfilling that role, but the Frenchman has contributed just two goals from his seven starts and 12 substitute outings in all competitions.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag speaks to substitute Anthony Martial on September 30, 2023 © Reuters

Martial has since been ruled out for the next 10 months, a consequence of undergoing a groin operation, and it leaves Ten Hag currently having to rely on Marcus Rashford, who he tends to use out wide, as backup to Hojlund.

In recent days, it has been claimed that United have been evaluating the market with regards to a short-term replacement, Karim Benzema a notable name to emerge due to issues with Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad, but such a move has since been ruled out.

There has also been talk that Joshua Zirkzee, currently impressing at Bologna, may be considered as a possible addition before the February 1 deadline.

Nevertheless, according to the Daily Mail, United are not planning to add a fresh face to their attacking ranks over the next week.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag pictured before the match on October 21, 2023 © Reuters

That stance is largely down to needing to meet FFP criteria, with United already having to look for short-term options in other areas of the pitch if they wish to make changes to their senior ranks.

The lighter schedule will also be taken into consideration with the North West giants having no continental football on their calendar for the remainder of 2023-24.

As well as Hojlund and Rashford, Ten Hag may potentially use the likes of Christian Eriksen or Mason Mount as a false nine, or move Amad Diallo into the middle rather than use him out wide.

United have allegedly already decided to release Martial when his contract expires in the summer, freeing up considerable space on the wage bill.