Anthony Martial has insisted he would never refuse to play for Manchester United, despite Ralf Rangnick s claims that he asked not to feature against Aston Villa.
The 26-year-old forward was absent as Rangnick named just eight substitutes, including two goalkeepers, for United s trip to Villa Park, which ended all square after Philippe Coutinho completed a late comeback from two goals down.
Rangnick was already without Marcus Rashford and Cristiano Ronaldo due to injury, with Anthony Elanga chosen to start on the left flank.
The United interim manager revealed last month that France international Martial is seeking a move away from the club due to a lack of minutes.
Sevilla were reported to be interested in Martial but are understood to be unable to afford his wages, with United apparently rejecting an approach to take him on loan until the end of the season.
Rangnick told reporters: He didn t want to be in the squad.
He would have been in the squad normally but he didn t want to and that s the reason why he was not travelling with us yesterday.
However, Martial – who joined from Monaco in 2015 – subsequently refuted his manager s claims.
On his Instagram story, Martial said: I will never refuse to play a match for Man United.
I ve been here for seven years and I have never disrespected and will never disrespect the club and the fans.
