Anthony Martial’s relationship with Manchester United is under strain. Manager Ralf Rangnick assured on Saturday after the points tie against Aston Villa (2-2) that he would not have the attacker at his disposal because he had refused to be part of the squad for the game in Birmingham. Martial’s reaction followed quickly: the attacker denies the version of his manager on Instagram Stories.
“Martial didn’t want to be in the selection,” Rangnick said after the press conference. The trainer couldn’t resist the Villans Even if they don’t have Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcus Rashford, the 26-year-old Martial could have used it quite well on paper. “He would normally have been in the match selection, but he refused. That is why he had not traveled with us yesterday (Friday, ed.).”
“I will never refuse to play a game for Manchester United,” Martial emphasized via social media. “In seven years I have never shown no respect for the club and the fans and I never will.” Due to lack of playing time, Martial is looking for a transfer. Sevilla wanted to take over the attacker on a rental basis, but Manchester United rejected that offer. Now Juventus would prepare a rental proposal. The winter transfer market is still open for just over two weeks.
Agent Philippe Lamboley was already very clear in December about the plans of the attacker, who still has a contract until the summer of 2024. “Anthony wants to leave in January. He has to play. He doesn’t want to stay. I will talk to the club soon.” The counter of Martial is this season, partly due to injuries, at only ten duels in all competitions. His last appearance was a two-minute substitute against Arsenal in early December.
The arrival of Ronaldo has pushed Martial down even more in the pecking order at Old Trafford. Martial also came no further than a meager goal in his ten matches, which makes it unlikely that he will expel a fellow player from the base. The 2019/20 season was his best football season in the Manchester United kit with 23 goals in all competitions. In nearly seven years, his achievements as Mancunian however, very variable.