Rangnick reveals he dropped unwanted exit reality on Man Utd star during lengthy talks
Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick has revealed lengthy discussions with Anthony Martial about his future at the club.
France striker Martial emerged as one of the most exciting talents in Europe when he moved to United in 2015. While he has scored 79 goals in 268 games, he has rarely managed to find consistent goalscoring form.
What’s more, the expansion of the Red Devils’ attacking ranks in the summer has not helped his cause. Cristiano Ronaldo has moved front and centre of the front line, while Jadon Sancho was another marquee, £73million signing.
As such, Martial’s agent revealed earlier in December that his client wants out in January.
Speaking in a press conference (via the Daily Mirror), Rangnick confirmed talks with the forward.
He said: “We spoke at length. He explained to me he’s been at Manchester United now for the last seven years and he feels it’s the right time for a change, to go somewhere else.”
As for where he could move to, his agent has supposedly offered the player to Newcastle.
However, manager Eddie Howe wants to look elsewhere for attacking reinforcements. Meanwhile, Sevilla supposedly have interest in signing Martial but that deal has also hit a dead end due to his wages.
Nevertheless, Rangnick insisted that he told Martial that United will not actively look to offload him. The Red Devils are fighting for a top-four Premier League finish and are still in the Champions League. They could also yet go on an FA Cup run.
“I think in a way this [Martial’s exit wish] is understandable, I could follow his thoughts. But on the other hand, it’s also important to see the situation of the club,” the manager added.
“We have Covid times, we have three competitions in which we still have high ambitions and we want to be as successful as we can be.
“I told him ‘listen, as long as there is no club showing interest in him [he will stay]’ and it should not only be in the interest of the player it should also be in the interest of the club.
“As far as I know, there has been no offer from any other club and, as long as this is the case, he will stay.”
Martial linked with Sevilla move
Sevilla chief Monchi said of Martial’s links with a move to the La Liga side: “I have found out [about the links] through social networks, we will have to ask the one who has published it.
“I know him from before he signed for Manchester [United].”
Martial’s best season for United came in the 2019/20 campaign. He scored 23 goals and assisted 12 others in 48 games.
This season, though, he has only played 10 games and scored one goal. That came in a 1-1 draw with Everton in October.
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