Erik ten Hag gives Anthony Martial injury update that could impact Man Utd transfer plans

Erik ten Hag has confirmed the injury Anthony Martial suffered last week against Fulham will keep the Manchester United attacker out of action for a prolonged period of time.

It was announced on Tuesday that the Frenchman had suffered a hamstring tear and he will therefore be unavailable for this weekend’s FA Cup final against Manchester City. But Ten Hag also revealed ahead of the clash at Wembley that Martial’s latest problem will keep him out of action for a while.

“Yeah, it’s going to be a long one but how long we don’t know. We have to do more assessment,” explained the former Ajax boss.

The hamstring issue is Martial’s fifth injury of the season, and the FA Cup final will be the 33rd match he’s missed this season.

The news comes ahead of what is expected to be a busy summer transfer window for United. The Red Devils are willing to let Martial depart at the end of the season and are planning to bring in a new centre-forward.

Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen are the prime targets for the Red Devils, although Dusan Vlahovic and Rasmus Hojlund are also under consideration. Yet, Martial’s injury complicates matters slightly given it could prevent a prospect buyer from making an offer this summer, although United are expected to sign a new forward regardless of the ex-Monaco man’s situation.

While Ten Hag has no choice but to leave out Martial against City on Saturday, he will have the difficult decison of which fit members of the squad won’t be involved at Wembley. Asked about his selection ahead of the game, the 52-year-old said those left out will have sadly to accept to it.

“Of course there will always be disappointed [players] about the starting XI and for the bench, but I think it is a normal process for a club like Manchester United,” he said. “We have to deal with it, the players have to deal with it and the squad have to deal with it. I make the choices.”

Lisandro Martinez, Donny van de Beek, Marcel Sabitzer and Antony have also been ruled out of the FA Cup final through injury.