Erik ten Hag names Anthony Martial’s replacement at Manchester United

Erik ten Hag has explained why Manchester United will not sign someone to replace Anthony Martial despite the French striker’s 10-week injury.

Anthony Martial will be unavailable for Manchester United until April after the club confirmed that he will be out for ten weeks due to surgery on his groin.

This means that Erik ten Hag now only has Rasmus Højlund as the only recognised centre-forward at the club but has named Marcus Rashford as the man who can replace Martial as a backup striker to the Danish international.

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Speaking to the media on Friday afternoon, Ten Hag was asked if United will look to sign a striker in the final week of the transfer window to replace Martial.

The manager, however, admitted that United cannot afford to do so, citing FFP restrictions as the reason, hence why Rashford will be considered for the role.

“I looked, but there is no space,” he said. “No space on FFP to do something about this lack of quantity in the striker position. Of course, we have Rashford, who can play as a striker, I think we also have some other alternatives creative.

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“But it’s clear: Anthony is out for a couple of months. It’s a gap in our squad, clear.”

United will next face Newport County in the fourth round of the FA Cup – which the manager admitted is United’s only chance of winning a trophy this season.

It’s the truth, but the league, qualification for the Champions League. FA Cup is, as you say, probably is, fact, a last opportunity on the trophy and we go for it.”