Man Utd set to make second iconic shirt number available as Erik ten Hag patience runs out

Anthony Martial’s days at Manchester United may be numbered, with Erik ten Hag prepared to offload the striker at the end of the season. The France international has been with the club since his arrival from Monaco in 2015, often blowing hot and cold in the years afterward. If he leaves, the No. 9 shirt, worn by Red Devils legends in the past, will be available for purchase.

Manchester United paid £36 million for Martial during Louis van Gaal’s tenure as manager, believing he would be a potential Ballon d’Or winner.

His 17 goals in the 2015/2016 season proved he was money well spent, as the France international led the team to FA Cup victory.

Nevertheless, while Martial has had his moments in a red shirt, he has never reached the soaring heights many predicted when he arrived.

It’s no surprise that United is searching for someone to rely on on a weekly basis, with Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen both on their radar.

If the France international leaves, the No. 9 jersey will become available.

While not as revered as the No. 7, this jersey has been worn by several club luminaries in the past.

Andy Cole did it justice during his time, becoming one of England’s greatest strikers and leading United to the triple in 1999.

He formed a powerful relationship with Dwight Yorke, and the squad also had Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Teddy Sheringham.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic lived up to the hype after joining Manchester United on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain in 2016, propelling the club to Europa League and Carabao Cup triumph.

Dimitar Berbatov was a big hit for the club, winning two league titles after joining from Tottenham in 2008.

Sir Bobby Charlton, on the other hand, was the best of the bunch.

The 85-year-old was a Busby Babes member. At the age of 20, he was part of the team that suffered the tragedy of the Munich Air Disaster, in which 23 people died.

A decade later, Charlton would lead United to a European Cup victory, scoring twice as Benfica was defeated in the final.

In his day, Martial can be one of the top strikers in the country.

Ten Hag, on the other hand, can’t rely on the forward to stay fit, which is why he’s desperate for the team to sign a new striker before the end of the season.

Kane would almost certainly be a huge hit, but negotiating with Tottenham and famed negotiator Daniel Levy appears difficult.

Yet, given his goalscoring heroics for the Serie A giants this season, Napoli is sure to be tough on Osimhen.

Furthermore, United icon Paul Parker recently stated that Martial should never play for the club again.

“I don’t think we’ll ever see Martial play for Manchester United again,” he remarked.

“I don’t think Erik ten Hag is concerned since Martial doesn’t fit into his style of play.”

“He also does not deserve to play for Manchester United again.” He hasn’t taken any chances and has shown no consistency.”