Ralf Rangnick
Manchester United have not received any offers for Anthony Martial amid his desire to leave next month. Martial’s agent, Philippe Lamboley, confirmed two weeks ago the French forward wants to move clubs in the January transfer window and Martial has been linked with Barcelona, Juventus and Sevilla.
Ralf Ragnick said: “Yes, we spoke I think it was yesterday (Wednesday), 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. I think in a way this 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 still have high ambitions and want to be as successful as we can be. I told him listen, as long as there is no club showing interest in him, and it should not only be in the interest of the player it should also be in the interest of the club. 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 was unable to provide any more clarity on Paul Pogba’s future as he approaches the last six months of his contract. Pogba was the only United outfield player who did not train when the Carrington training complex reopened on Tuesday as he continues his recovery from a thigh strain. Pogba returned to Manchester from Dubai, where he had been rehabilitating, following a telephone conversation with Rangnick and the German reiterated Pogba was still two weeks away from returning to match fitness.
Ralf Ragnick added: “Yes, of course, I’ve spoken to Paul. On the day he came back from Dubai we spoke in person. We also spoke over the phone when he was still in Dubai. Right now, it’s about for him to get fit again, to get training fit, not just be match fit. I think this will take as far as I know 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.”
