Mueez Ajao
– Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick has confirmed Anthony Martial has asked to leave the club in January but no club has registered interest.
– Martial held a meeting with Rangnick last week, and he backed up the claims of his agent, Phillippe Lamboley, confirming that he wishes to leave the club.
– Rangnick said he is sympathetic to Martial’s situation after struggling for opportunities this season, but added the 26-year-old will only be granted a move if it suits the club.
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– “We spoke at length and he explained to me he has been at Manchester United now for the last seven years and he feels it is the right time for a change, to go somewhere else,” Rangnick said.
– “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-19 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.”
– United are expecting a quiet January window, although Rangnick will be allowed to strengthen the squad if an opportunity presents itself.
– Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has said he would be reluctant to sign players who are not vaccinated against COVID-19, and Rangnick has confirmed United will also look at vaccination status during their recruitment process.
– “I think it could be a consideration, and I fully understand what Jurgen said but it also depends if you want to sign a player and risk him not being available,” he said.
– “This is an issue the clubs seriously have to think about. If you sign a player knowing from the very first day that he has not been vaccinated, you have to be aware that he might not be available — not only for 10 days, but this could happen regularly in COVID-19 times.”
