Reports indicate that, Erik ten Hag’s patience with Anthony Martial has reached its limit, and he is now considering selling the striker in the upcoming summer transfer window.
The incident that triggered this decision occurred during the match against Bournemouth on May 20, when ten Hag substituted Martial in the 57th minute.
The player was visibly upset and walked off the pitch towards the tunnel, a reaction that did not sit well with his manager.
The Mirror has now revealed that the Manchester United manager is prepared to end Martial’s tenure at the club and put him up for sale.
Despite the striker’s persistent fitness issues throughout the season, ten Hag had previously expressed his support for Martial.
However, it seems that the recent events have prompted a change in his stance.
The 27-year-old has only scored eight goals in 27 appearances in a team where he is supposed to be the lead striker.
United haven’t fared well in the striking department, with Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure in January leaving Martial as the sole striker.
The club brought in Wout Weghorst on a short-term deal, but he too, has failed to impress. The Sun reports that Martial’s body language and movement has also been an issue amongst Manchester United fans.
Ronaldo reaction
You will remember that ten Hag boldly did away with Ronaldo after the Portuguese icon refused to come on as a substitute against Tottenham last year. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner instead walked down the tunnel.
He was suspended for one game, but he escalated the issue after conducting an explosive interview with Piers Morgan.
Strikers Manchester United can buy
Ten Hag will be hoping to sign a proven striker in the summer. Martial’s and Weghorst’s struggles in front of goal have made it more imperative that they are not strikers ten Hag can rely on long-term as part of the project he is building at Old Trafford.
Manchester United might be in take-over talks at the moment, but the necessity of having a proven number 9 keeps growing day by day.
Sports Brief took a look at who the club can approach to alleviate their striking concerns. Marcus Rashford has done well so far, but he will need help.