Manchester United have just had Christian Eriksen-style trigger for late January deal

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Manchester United have the excuse needed to dive into the transfer market late this window and agree a late deal.

All month long, it has seemed Manchester United were content to sit still and would not be strengthening in this transfer window.

Yet that was how it had appeared late last January, when the club had appeared to wrap up business in the first few days of the window, with Jack Butland and Wout Weghorst brought in.

Then there was an incident late in January which acted as a trigger for a dramatic deadline day move for Marcel Sabitzer.

Anthony Martial situation repeats Christian Eriksen

There was one reason Manchester United moved for Marcel Sabitzer a year ago. It was a late injury to Christian Eriksen.

Eriksen was scythed down by Andy Carroll in a FA Cup clash with Reading, and subsequently ruled out for at least two months. United responded with a deadline day move for Sabitzer.

Now, Anthony Martial is the player suffering an injury. Nobody is surprised at all.

Manchester United had naively hoped Anthony Martial would be able to get fit and contribute to the team for the remainder of this season.

He has not played since December 9 and has recently been training individually to work on his fitness.

However, it has now emerged Martial has undergone surgery on his groin, and he is not expected to return until April. Many believe the striker has played his final match for the club.

This now acts as the trigger to potentially push Manchester United into a late striker move, with only Rasmus Hojlund as a recognised centre-forward.

Of course, it’s a situation United should not have allowed to get to this point. Relying on injury-prone Martial was always a foolish plan. Now, at least, the timing of this injury means the club has to act.

Manchester United striker options

Manchester United’s options late in this transfer window are limited, as they have been throughout this month.

A lack of finances means United are looking at loan moves. Names mentioned include an exciting deal for Karim Benzema, per The Mirror, and Eric Choupo-Moting, via The Mail.

But if last year is anything to go by, it will be a surprise name who emerges on deadline day.