Martial tells Rangnick he wants to leave Man Utd
Stuart Hodge
- 27 Dec 2021 09:23 GMT
- 5 min read
Manchester United striker Anthony Martial has told the club’s interim boss Ralf Rangnick that he wants to leave the club.
The French striker became the most expensive teenager in world football when he signed for Manchester United in 2015 for £36million plus a host of add-ons from Monaco, but he has now admitted that “the time is right” to seek a new challenge.
Rangnick says he understands where Martial is coming from and admitted earlier this month that the club would look to try and move on players who weren’t featuring much for the club.
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Martial has made just two league starts this season and Rangnick’s admission follows on from the player’s own representative Philippe Lamboley saying at the start of December that the 26-year-old would be one of those seeking to leave Old Trafford during the January transfer window.
Martial has scored 79 goals in 268 appearances for Manchester United but has yet to feature under the German and he has falling down the pecking order since the club acquired Cristiano Ronaldo, Edinson Cavani and Jadon Sancho.
Rangnick said: “He explained to me that 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.
“I think in a way it is understandable. I could follow his thoughts but on the other hand, it's also important to see the situation of the club. We have Covid times, we have three competitions in which we have high ambitions and want to be as successful as we can be.”
United have yet to receive an offer for Martial and a move will only be sanctioned if it suits all parties.
Rangnick added: “So far, 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.”
Rangnick provides update on Pogba’s situation
Another Frenchman who could be on the move out of Old Trafford is Paul Pogba.
Pogba is out of contract in the summer and working his way back from injury.
Asked about the nomadic midfielder’s future, Rangnick said: “I’ve spoken to Paul.
“On the day he came back from Dubai, we spoke in person. Right now, it’s about him getting fit again, to get training fit, not just be match fit.
“This will take us another couple of weeks and, until then, my full focus is on the players who are available and who can play in the upcoming games.”
