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Ralf Rangnick has been told his time at Old Trafford could be shortlived and he may face the Man Utd sack if he does not quickly deal with a problematic star at the Red Devils.

The German’s regime has started well with two wins and a draw from his three games in charge. That said, their midweek game at Brentford was called off, while Thursday’s Paper Talk hints there may be a repeat on Saturday against Brighton. Given their fine start, that would be the last thing Rangnick needs.

Interestingly, Rangnick has operated with a 4-2-2-2 formation at United so far. That is designed to get the best out of his players at his disposal, though ultimately that may leave two of their big names waiting a while longer for game-time.

And with the January window now just two weeks away, Rangnick is busily preparing plans for his squad.

Indeed, he’s reportedly looking to strengthen his midfield, though departures may be the order of the day at Old Trafford.

One name seemingly ready to burst down the exit door is Anthony Martial, whose agent has confirmed he’s wanting out.

Martial’s agent recently appeared on Sky Sports to break the news that Martial wants to leave United in the January window.

Agent claims Martial wants out

“Anthony wishes to leave the club in January,” Philippe Lamboley said. “He just needs to play, he doesn’t want to stay in January and I will speak to the club soon.”

As a result, plenty of clubs are showing an interest in the Frenchman, with Newcastle and PSG among those mentioned.

Wherever he ends up, Simon Jordan has urged Rangnick to get rid of Martial sooner rather than later.

Speaking to talkSPORT, the former Crystal Palace chairman claims failure to offload him could place his own future in jeopardy.

“Get the cab ready and put Martial in it as quickly as you possibly can and you’ve got an opportunity,” Jordan said on talkSPORT.

“Because I think Martial is one of those players that gets you the sack.

“I think he is the archetypal Manchester United player of the last half a decade that, on paper, looks a great player, got all the ability, but when it comes to it has the heart the size of a pea.

“He wants to go, so good riddance if I’m United.”

Rangnick tells player to speak to him

Wherever his future lies, Rangnick does not seem one to take any nonsense from agents. And, the wily German has told Martial that he should direct to his door if he wants to leave the club.

“I don’t communicate with agents via the media and press,” Rangnick said. “The player hasn’t spoken with me or us about it.

“After the final training session before the Crystal Palace game, after having trained with team, he informed the doctor and the medical department that he would not be available because the pain in his knee is too big. We have to wait and see.

“Maybe he can train again [on Sunday] but I have to speak to the doctor first. To be honest, what his agent says via the media is not of that much interest to me.”

Rangnick was then asked if he would speak to Martial about his agent’s claims. And the German quickly offered an honest answer.

“No. Then I would react to what his agent has said and it should be the player,” he added.

“If he really has the wish to go to another club it should be the player who informs either the board or myself. I have never spoken about a player via the media and via agents.”

History repeating itself over Martial

It’s certainly not the first time Martial has tried to push for a move away from Old Trafford.

Back in 2018, the player was also open to moving on when he struggled to claim regular football under Jose Mourinho.

Indeed, the Portuguese boss was very much open to his sale until Joel Glazer’s intervention put the brakes on his sale.

And when United triggered the one-year option on Martial’s deal in the December of that year, Lamboley revealed his ‘pessimism’ over a new deal entirely.

United, however, sacked Mourinho the following the day and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s regime sparked a quick upturn in fortunes.

As such, Martial then signed a new five-and-a-half-year deal at United in January 2019, taking him through to 2024.

That deal still has two and a half years to run. As such, United can expect a sizeable fee for Martial should he depart.

The Frenchman has 79 goals in 268 appearances for United since arriving from Monaco in September 2015.

READ MORE: Man Utd only serious Haaland bidder but need Rangnick to pull off one last condition of deal

The post ‘Heart the size of a pea’ – Rangnick told he faces Man Utd sack if he doesn’t act swiftly over difficult star appeared first on TEAMtalk.