Martial has scored nine times this season (Picture: Getty)
Erik ten Hag has confirmed Anthony Martial is facing a ‘long’ spell on the sidelines after being ruled out of Manchester United’s FA Cup final showdown against Manchester City.
The French striker has endured an injury-hit campaign but has been Erik ten Hag’s first choice up front when fit this term, managing nine goals in 29 appearances this term.
He was expected to lead the line at Wembley on Saturday but a hamstring tear has ruled him out with the former 28-year-old now expecting a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
‘Yeah it’s going to be a long one,’ ten Hag said. ‘But how long, we don’t know. We have to do more assessment.’
Marcus Rashford is likely to start through the middle against treble-chasing City at Wembley with Wout Weghorst the manager’s only other recognised option at centre forward.
Ten Hag has made the signing of a new striker a priority this summer, with Martial among the players who could move on this summer.
Former United defender Rio Ferdinand recently named the former Monaco starlet as one of four United stars who could be sold to raise £100million this summer to boost the manager’s transfer budget.
Another injury means Martial misses the FA Cup final (Picture: Getty)
‘Scott McTominay hasn’t played much football, not as much as he would like,’ Ferdinand told Vibe with Five.
‘If I was him as a young player I would probably start assessing that situation and start having real hard conversations with the club [asking] do you see me as part of it or not.
‘If I’m that far down the pecking order I would start looking and I don’t think he will have a problem finding a club, he is a very good footballer and he can add a lot of value.
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‘Harry Maguire has to look at a new option for himself. Unless he says he’s happy to be third or fourth choice. Elanga maybe [is another], he am not getting a chance.
‘Martial has proved that he can’t stay fit. I think if you got rid of those four, there is a £100million sitting there. Elanga isn’t getting the football he deserves.
‘He did well when he came in and still isn’t getting a chance. Big players in front of him but he wants to be playing first team football.’
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His season is over.