Manchester United’s pursuit of a striker in the winter window is dependent on whether the club can move on Anthony Martial.
Erik ten Hag is believed to be on the hunt for a forward that can help ease the goalscoring burden on young Rasmus Hojlund; he found the back of the net five times in the Champions League group stage but is yet to open his account in the Premier League after 13 games.
However, fingers must also be pointed at United’s entire frontline this season, as the likes of Antony, Anthony Martial, Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford and Facundo Pellistri have just four goals between them in the league.
Martial is one of several players whose contracts are set to expire at the end of the term and according to The Athletic, United do not plan on triggering his one-year extension.
As such, January is the last opportunity for the club to try and recuperate any sort of fee for the 28-year-old, having paid a total of £58 million including add-ons for the Frenchman’s services in 2016. If he survives the window at Old Trafford, he is likely to leave for nothing in June 2024.
Romano weighs in on United’s transfer business
Fabrizio Romano has previously confirmed United’s intent to bolster their frontline but has now suggested that Martial must be sold in order to make space and funds for a new arrival.
He told CaughtOffside in his exclusive Daily Briefing: “There have been reports that Ten Hag wants three signings – a centre-back, midfielder, and a striker.
“My information on a defender has been there for some time, it’s nothing new. Midfield is not something guaranteed yet, and the same for the striker, which will largely depend on whether or not Anthony Martial leaves.”
