MX23RW : Sunday, April 28 21:37:14| >> :120:5796:5796:

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

Man Utd 'not expected to sign Martial replacement in January'
© Reuters
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.

ID:534806:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect5163:

Anthony Martial future - Click here for more stories

Click here for more stories about Anthony Martial

Click here for more stories about Manchester United

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Al-Ittihad's Karim Benzema on November 3, 2023
Read Next:
Man United 'turn down chance to sign Karim Benzema'
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Result
Baez
Fritz
2 3
6 6
Result
Griekspoor
Rune
6 4 6
4 6 3
Result
Humbert
Struff
5 4
7 6
Result
Hurkacz
Altmaier
6 77
4 62
10am
Paul
Cerundolo
Result
Rublev
Davidovich Fokina
712 6
610 4
Result
Seyboth Wild
Alcaraz
3 3
6 6
10am
Shapovalov
Zverev
Result
Sherif
Rybakina
1 4
6 6
Result
Krueger
Bejlek
3 1
6 6
Result
Putintseva
Dolehide
6 6
2 2
Result
Pavlyuchenkova
Kasatkina
65 5
77 7
Result
Vondrousova
Andreeva
5 1
7 6
Result
Garcia
Paolini
3 2
6 6
Result
Collins
Cristian
3 6 6
6 4 1
7.10pm
Montgomery
Sabalenka
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal35255585285780
2Manchester CityMan City34247382325079
3Liverpool35229477364175
4Aston Villa35207873522167
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs33186967521560
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd34166125251154
7Newcastle UnitedNewcastle341651374551953
8West Ham UnitedWest Ham351310125665-949
9Chelsea33139116359448
10Bournemouth35139135260-848
11Wolverhampton WanderersWolves35137154855-746
12Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton341111125257-544
13Fulham35127165155-443
14Crystal Palace351010154557-1240
15Everton35128153748-1136
16Brentford3598185260-835
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3579194262-2026
18Luton TownLuton3567224877-2925
19Burnley3559213870-3224
RSheffield UnitedSheff Utd3537253497-6316


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!