Anthony Martial, the France striker, has denied interim Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick’s accusation that he refused to play against Aston Villa.
United squandered a two-goal lead in Saturday’s Premier League match at Villa Park, drawing 2-2.
Martial has already informed Rangnick that he wishes to leave United this month, and Sevilla is interested in signing 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 salaries or provide United the loan sum they want in order to sign him.
Martial hasn’t started a Premier League game since October 2nd, and hasn’t played since the 3-2 win against Arsenal on December 2nd.
He hasn’t been called up to any recent squads.
Rangnick asked Martial whether he wanted to play after injuries, Africa Nations Cup absences, and Covid absences left him with only six outfield replacements for the encounter at Villa Park. Martial reportedly said no.
“He didn’t want to be in the squad,” said Rangnick.
“He would have been in the squad normally but he didn’t want to and that was the reason why he didn’t travel with us yesterday (Friday).”
