Benzema, Isak, Choupo-Moting - Manchester United told plan to replace Anthony Martial

Anthony Martial’s long-term setback may force Erik ten Hag to rethink his January plans. With the striker out for 10 weeks, Manchester United are once again short of striker options.

The player’s agent announced this week that the attacker will stay on at Old Trafford until the end of his contract, meaning Martial will leave for free in June. His availability would have bought Ten Hag time to mull over a long-term back-up for Rasmus Hojlund this summer.

However, the United boss may wish to act sooner now that Martial will once again be sidelined. With the club limiting spending for a second January, anyone brought in would most likely be a loan arrival.

READ MORE: United issue statement on Martial injury

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That narrows down the field of options significantly and an ample acquisition may be hard to find. Fans would not be happy with another Wout Weghorst-type capture, even given Marcus Rashford's low output when played centrally.

At the moment, the England international is the backup to Hojlund amid Martial’s setback. That’s unless reinforcement can be brought in. MEN Sport writers have had their say on who could be brought in ahead of deadline day - or whether they should wait until the summer.

A training cone would be an adequate replacement for Martial as he has been involved so little this season. On a more serious note, United need a higher-tier striker but that won't come until this summer and Alexander Isak has the right blend of proven potential.

He is 24 - so not as young as some might think - and will have two seasons of Premier League experience under his belt come next season. Isak has played in Spain and at a European Championship,