Anthony Martial injury 'could scupper Manchester United exit'

Anthony Martial's hamstring injury, which will see him miss Saturday's FA Cup final, could reportedly prevent Manchester United from selling the forward during this summer's transfer window.

The 27-year-old has struggled with a number of fitness problems during the 2022-23 campaign, being restricted to only 29 appearances, scoring nine goals and registering three assists.

Martial featured off the bench in Man United's clash with Fulham last weekend but was then diagnosed with a hamstring issue, ruling him out of the FA Cup final against Manchester City.

Speaking on Friday, Red Devils head coach Erik ten Hag said that the injury is serious, with the attacker likely to be on the sidelines for a long period.

"Yeah, going to be a long one but how long we don't know. We have to do more assessment," Ten Hag told reporters during his pre-match press conference.

According to the Daily Mail, Martial's injury could prevent the 20-time English champions from selling him this summer, as he is preparing to undergo a lengthy rehabilitation programme.

The forward has spent time on the sidelines with hamstring, Achilles, back, muscular and hip injuries this term, and the Red Devils are planning to sign another centre-forward this summer.

There have also been strong claims that Martial could be moved on, as he only has another year left to run on his contract, albeit with the option of a further year.

The Frenchman has featured on 298 occasions for Man United since arriving from Monaco in September 2015, finding the back of the net on 88 occasions, in addition to contributing 53 assists.

Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane continues to be linked with a move to Old Trafford, while Napoli's Victor Osimhen and Atalanta BC's Rasmus Hojlund are also said to be targets.

The club's priority this season is to sign a new number nine, having not replaced Cristiano Ronaldo following his departure on a free transfer at the end of 2022.

Wout Weghorst was signed on loan from Burnley in January, but he has only scored twice in 30 appearances for the Red Devils in all competitions.

Man United are also planning to move for a central defender and a central midfielder during the upcoming market, while there will be a number of exits, as Ten Hag looks to put together a squad capable of challenging for the biggest trophies during the 2023-24 campaign.