Anthony Martial leaves Manchester United pre-season tour early

[PHOTO: COURTESY]

Anthony Martial has flown home from the US for the birth of his son – plunging Manchester United's pre-season tour into chaos.

Martial was given permission to fly home by boss Jose Mourinho, but the player's enforced absence means the only two strikers on United's US tour are rookies Mason Greenwood and Joshua Bohui.

With Romelu Lukaku and Marcus Rashford on extended breaks following their World Cup exploits, Mourinho has no recognised established forwards for the remainder of United's Stateside tour.

Although Mourinho gave Martial his blessing to return home, the forward may have played his last game for United, with the Portuguese willing to let the 22-year-old leave.

[PHOTO: COURTESY]

Martial flew back to Manchester from Los Angeles and will not be rejoining United's tour, which still has three fixtures left to fulfil, including tomorrow's game against AC Milan in LA.

The forward's partner, Melanie Da Cruz, is due to give birth to the couple's first child.

Martial already has a daughter from a previous relationship with former partner Samantha Helena.

The Frenchman has an uncertain future at Old Trafford after admitting his desire to leave the club.

He has been attracting interest from Chelsea and Tottenham - but United do not want to sell to one of their Premier League rivals.

Despite playing a role in the pre-season friendlies against Club America and San Jose Earthquakes, Martial is still considered to be down the pecking order behind his fellow forwards.

United are happy to let the Frenchman leave but would prefer him to head abroad.

They need to recoup funds to strengthen their squad before the end of the transfer window and want £70million for Martial.