France striker Anthony Martial has rejected interim Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick’s claim that he refused to be in the squad to play Aston Villa. United let a two-goal lead slip as they drew 2-2 in the Premier League game at Villa Park on Saturday.
Martial has already told Rangnick he wants to leave United this month and Sevilla are keen to sign him. “I will never refuse to play a match for Man Utd,” said the 26-year-old forward in a social media post. “I’ve been here for seven years and I never disrespected and will never disrespect the club and the fans.” Sevilla have been unable to match Martial’s wages or offer the loan fee United want in order to sign the forward.
Martial has not started a Premier League game since 2 October and has not featured at all since the 3-2 win against Arsenal on 2 December. He has not been selected for recent squads. However with injuries as well as Africa Nations Cup and Covid absentees meaning he only had six outfield substitutes for the game at Villa Park, Rangnick asked Martial if he wanted to be involved and claims the answer was negative.
“He didn’t want to be in the squad,” said Rangnick.
