Anthony Martial's exit could unlock dream shirt numbers for two Man Utd players

25 January 2024 , 13:40

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Anthony Martial could potentially have played his last game for Manchester United (Image: Getty Images)

Anthony Martial's latest injury issue could have all but ended his Manchester United career.

The French forward has undergone surgery to deal with a groin problem and will be ruled out for 10 weeks. The Red Devils have decided against triggering an option in his current contract and as a result Martial is set to leave the club at the end of the season.

United signed Martial for £36million in 2015, with bonuses that could see the fee rise to £57.6m. That included payments to be made if Martial earned 25 France caps and if the forward won the Ballon d'Or.

Arriving at the club aged just 19, the former Monaco ace has scored 90 goals and recorded 55 assists in 317 appearances. However he has netted just twice in 19 outings this term under Erik ten Hag.

Upon his arrival, Martial succeeded Radamel Falcao as the club's No.9. He did lose the number to both Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Romelu Lukaku, but has since received the honour again. An array of talent including Dimitar Berbatov, Carlos Tevez, Andy Cole, George Best and Sir Bobby Charlton donned the number during their United careers.

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Martial's hold over the shirt is set to come to an end however, and the 13-time Premier League winners must decide who will be next to wear the famous jersey. Rasmus Hojlund will be the prime candidate to take on the mantle.

The Danish striker has endured an inconsistent start to life in the north west but is set to lead the line for the foreseeable future. The 20-year-old broke his Premier League duck in January as he scored in back-to-back games.

Anthony Martial is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines (Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Hojlund could be buoyed by the promotion, while moving on from the No.11 will leave an opportunity for another promising United talent to upgrade. Alejandro Garnacho currently wears the No.17 shirt but has made a real breakthrough into the first team this season.

From impact player to difference-maker, the young winger has notched five goals and two assists in 2023/24 and his role only looks set to grow. The adjustments would be more fitting for United's group, with Martial far from considered the club's standout No.9.

Scott Trotter