The in-form striker, Anthony Martial, will miss Manchester United’s opening Premier League match against Brighton owing to an injury.
According to the Athletic, the 26-year-old has a small hamstring injury, and it’s uncertain when he’ll be back. However, the fans would hope that the French striker would be ready for the trip to Brentford on August 13.
His next chance to play would be against the Reds on August 22 if he is unable to recover in time.
The injury news will be a huge blow to new manager Erik ten Hag, who doesn’t have many experienced options to replace Anthony Martial.
The Portuguese striker, Cristiano Ronaldo, did not travel with the Red Devils on their preseason tour of Thailand and Australia, and the 37-year-old has played only 45 minutes of football so far. This would raise concern about whether he would be in his best shape to play the first league game.
Although the star striker might be forced to play limited minutes, this is not the best option for the Dutch manager.
However, Ten Hag would have one likeable option as Rashford can play as a false 9 or out of position if he is given the chance to spearhead the attack.
The issue demonstrates how desperately the club requires attack reinforcements.
Benjamin Sesko is the worthy option at this moment, although even if the Red Devils are successful in signing him, he is only 19 years old and has limited senior experience at this moment.
Ronaldo’s desire to leave Old Trafford would trigger an event similar to the unfortunate January 2020 transfer window, when the Red Devils were forced to recruit striker Odion Ighalo on loan at the very last minute.
There aren’t many strikers at cheaper prices because the elite clubs have already made their move in getting their targets.
