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Anthony Martial ruled out of FA Cup final with hamstring injury in major blow for Erik ten Hag
This is not what Red Devils fans wanted to hear.
Featured Image Credit: Alamy
Topics: Anthony Martial, Manchester United
Joe Adams
breaking
Topics: Anthony Martial, Manchester United
Manchester United striker Anthony Martial has been ruled out of the FA Cup final against Manchester City in a serious blow for Erik ten Hag.
The club confirmed the news via their website, explaining that he would not feature after picking up a hamstring injury during the Red Devils' 2-1 win over Fulham on Sunday.
The Frenchman only played 23 minutes against the Cottagers, but it was enough to rule him out of their mouth-watering final against Pep Guardiola's treble-chasing City team.
It is the latest setback of many for the injury-prone 27-year-old, whose season has been hindered by five separate issues, ruling him out of a total of 27 matches.
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His absence will leave Ten Hag scrambling for alternatives, having relied on the forward for goals in recent weeks. Indeed, when fit, he has been United's first-choice striker.
While Wout Weghorst, who has only scored twice since arriving on loan in January and has not found the net in his last 15 games, is the other option available Ten Hag.
The Dutchman may opt to play Rashford as a sole striker instead, just as he did against Fulham, with Jadon Sancho and Alejandro Garnacho playing either side of the Englishman.
After the win over Marco Silva's side, Ten Hag hailed the depth of his squad, revealing that United would utilise the entire squad to help overcome their bitter rivals on Saturday.
"We have more than a starting XI of players. We have played so may games this season so you can’t speak about a starting XI. When we pick the team, we look to what our opponents’ strengths and weaknesses are. To finish third is a massive achievement with all the games we had to play," Ten Hag said.
As a result of his injury, Martial may be deprived of the chance to say goodbye to fans, with the player heavily rumoured with a move away from Old Trafford this summer, as Ten Hag keen seeks a more reliable number nine.