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Ralf Rangnick: Anthony Martial refused to be in Manchester United squad for Aston Villa game

Ralf Rangnick named two goalkeepers on the bench for Manchester United's Premier League clash with Aston Villa, with Anthony Martial refusing to be part of the squad.

Manchester United took a 2-0 lead against Aston Villa courtesy of a Bruno Fernandes brace, but found themselves only taking a point from the game after Jacob Ramsey and Philippe Coutinho levelled the score.

Edinson Cavani started up front for the Red Devils, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcus Rashford both absent.

That made space for Anthony Martial to take their spot on the bench, but Ralf Rangnick has since confirmed that the Frenchman rejected the chance to travel with the squad.

"Yes, he didn't want to be in the squad," Rangnick said.
"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."

Martial has not been shy in showing his intent to leave the club in January, although a reported move to Sevilla has since broken down. It now seems inevitable that the 26-year-old will be shipped off this month.

Anthony Martial could look to leave Manchester United in the January transfer window
It left Rangnick short of attacking options for United's trip to the Midlands, and the 63-year-old German felt his side should've scored more in their dominant first half.
"It's very difficult to find some positives after these 90, 95 minutes.
"We had spells where I felt it was our best game since I came here. In the first 30 minutes we completely dominated the game, could have scored even two or three goals. We have seen we have taken some steps forward, but still quite a few things to improve and do better.
"You just have to take those three points back home and as of now, it feels like a defeat to be honest."
Fernandes echoed the words of his manager post-match, expressing his disappointment at the dropped points.
"I think the performance was better than the result for sure and probably we controlled more of the game than before, but still I think the main point for us is winning games, making points.
"We did one today - for me, I think for the overall of the game, we deserve more. But the game is not about deserving, it is about getting the points and we didn't do enough at the end to take the three points. Unlucky for us, but still a lot to improve on, even if the performance was good."
Philippe Coutinho was central to Villa's comeback in the second half, registering a goal and an assist on his return to the Premier League.

The Brazilian dictated the tempo from the moment he stepped onto the pitch, and Villa boss Steven Gerrard was thrilled with his former teammate's performance.

"He is good - you don't lose talent. I think the key thing for Phil is he needs to be in a place where he feels loved and supported. He needs to be smiling and enjoying his football.
"He's 29, he's won all kind of different things and he still has that hunger to play and contribute. Once we get him fit and stronger, I have no doubt he can create goals and score for this team."

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