Anthony Martial injury 'ends Manchester United's chances of selling him this month'

There has been a host of speculation surrounding the Frenchman's future over the last few weeks, and it is believed that the Red Devils had hopes of selling him during the winter transfer window.

A number of clubs from the Saudi Pro League had allegedly been interested, while there were also rumours surrounding Fenerbahce, West Ham United and Inter Milan.

However, Man United revealed on Wednesday that Martial had undergone a groin operation, and he will now be on the sidelines "for about 10 weeks" recovering from the problem.

According to The Times, the surgery means that the 28-year-old will spend the rest of the season at Old Trafford before almost certainly leaving on a free transfer this summer.

The report claims that it is possible Martial has played his final game for the club, but if there are no complications in his recovery, he could be available for the latter stages of the campaign.

The former Monaco youngster has made 19 appearances during the 2023-24 season, but he has only managed two goals and two assists in all competitions.

Martial has not featured since December 9, meanwhile, having initially been absent through illness before it was revealed that he was struggling with a fitness problem.

Man United had the option of activating a 12-month extension in the forward's contract earlier this year, which would have taken him until June 2025, but they decided against it.

The forward has made 317 appearances for the Red Devils since arriving from Monaco in 2015, scoring 90 goals and registering 55 assists in the process.

Fitness issues have impacted him in recent seasons, though, and he will seemingly seek pastures new when his contract comes to an end on June 30.

Man United, at this moment, allegedly have no plans to sign a replacement for Martial before the January transfer window closes for business.

A potential loan swoop for Al-Ittihad forward Karim Benzema has allegedly been ruled out due to the Frenchman's significant wage packet.

However, it has been claimed that Ten Hag's side are keeping a close eye on Callum Wilson's situation, with Newcastle United potentially open to an £18m sale in the final stages of the winter market.