Anthony Martial has refuted Ralf Rangnick’s claim that the forward refused to play for Manchester United.
Rangnick said Martial “didn’t want to be in the squad” after United only named eight substitutes with two goalkeepers among them for the 2-2 draw at Aston Villa on Saturday,
Martial wants to leave United this month and has not featured since a 3-2 win over Arsenal on December 2, but the 26-year-old insisted he was available for selection.
“I will never refuse to play a match for Man United,” Martial said on Instagram.
“I’ve been here for seven years and I never disrespected and I never will disrespect the club and the fans.”
Speaking on Super Sunday Matchday on Sky Sports News, former United striker Andy Cole said: “As we all know there are always two sides to a story, one is saying one thing, one is saying another. No doubt we will get to the bottom of it, sooner rather than later.”
Cole added: “There’s been a lot of problems [this season] with Manchester United behind the scenes and on the football pitch as well, and it is not working out well at the moment.”
Martial is hoping to leave on loan this month to get regular first-team football.
Sevilla remain his preferred destination because he believes that is where he will play the most, amid interest from other clubs including Barcelona and Juventus.
But Sevilla have so far only offered to pay half of Martial’s wages.
It is understood United would be encouraged to let him go on loan if a club offers to pay them in full plus a loan fee.
