Man Utd could have hatched plan for first team player with 'undecided' future

Ahead of both the January and summer transfer windows, Manchester United are weighing up their options for potential new signings, as well as players already on their roster.

Several names have been linked to exits in 2024 and there is quite the list of players whose current contracts are set to expire next summer. One of the names on that list is Anthony Martial but it seems as though United have a plan in place to avoid him leaving for free at the end of the season.

Martial has an option in his contract to extend for a further year, and according to Football Insider, Erik ten Hag and co could activate this clause and then look at moving him on a later date for a cash offer. The purpose of this is to 'protect his value' and of course, stop him leaving Old Trafford as a free agent in June.

Earlier this week, it was revealed that Martial's future at United is 'undecided' and the club could well cash in when the January window opens, if the right offer presented itself. However, the Red Devils will reportedly only entertain winter offers if they can first sign a new striker of their own in the same window.

United's No.9s haven't exactly been firing on all cylinders this season. Martial has just two goals in 17 appearances across all competitions so far, and while summer signing Ramus Højlund has made a big splash in Europe, he is yet to get off the mark in the Premier League.

Martial has had a mixed bag of performances over the last few seasons and last campaign was plagued with injury troubles. The Frenchman has been more involved this term, but he has started just three of the 11 league games he has featured in and apart from his influential performance against Everton, he has struggled to make his mark in attack.