An unfortunate unforeseen event, the Red Devils modify their plans for Martial

"£50 million down the drain as Tony Martial is injured again," might be heard at Old Trafford next. Manchester United have confirmed Anthony Martial has undergone surgery on his groin and the forward is expected to be absent for 10 weeks, which means he won't return until May. Martial's contract expires at the end of June and, depending on his recovery, he might have played his last game for United in the 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth in December.

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It was a surprise to see Martial start against Bournemouth and some fans at Old Trafford cheered his removal when he was replaced by Rasmus Hojlund before the hour mark. Although supporters once adored Martial, his career nosedived during his time in Manchester and that appearance being his last feels like a fitting ending to a disappointing spell. Martial had the world at his feet in 2015 when he joined from Monaco for £36million as the world's most expensive teenager, but two good seasons in nine mean he won't be remembered fondly.

Availability is the best ability in football and Martial has spent more time on the treatment table than the pitch, with his body breaking down and leaving him unable to stay fit. He last completed 90 minutes in the Premier League against Sheffield United in January 2021 and with the benefit of hindsight, he should have been sold in the summer of 2018. Jose Mourinho was prepared to sell Martial and the club blocked his departure. That certainly won't be the case when his contract expires and there won't be a queue for his signature.

Martial was absent across Christmas and New Year with an illness and although he returned to light training, it emerged he was struggling with an injury. He's now undergone surgery to address the problem and the last opportunity to raise a fee for him has been missed. Martial couldn't even do United a favour and stay fit for a move. An extended period of absence for Martial, which he is no stranger to, leaves Rasmus Hojlund as the only recognised striker and United must spring to life in the January transfer window.

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Very poor performance

Hojlund has just two league goals this season, but he starts the majority of games and there is no alternative option in his position if he was to pick up an injury. Marcus Rashford can play there but sulks when leading the attack. He is not the same player down the middle and he's struggling to perform on the left, never mind in a role he doesn't like. Young striker Joe Hugill has been sent on loan to Burton for the remainder of the season and Charlie McNeill will play for the Under-21s after failing to get a game on loan with Stevenage.