Anthony Martial denies accusations of ‘refusing to play’ in blunt Instagram post

Martial was not part of the Manchester United squad for their visit to Aston Villa on Saturday

Anthony Martial has responded to claims from Ralf Rangnick that the Frenchman wasn't included in the Manchester United squad for their trip to Aston Villa because "he didn't want to be in the squad." Martial missed United's game at Villa Park on Saturday in which they were pegged back twice after goals from Jacob Ramsey and Philipe Coutinho, on his debut, cancelled out Bruno Fernandes' brace. Before the game, Rangnick revealed that he intended to include the forward, who is actively seeking a move away from Old Trafford, in his squad but the 26-year-old didn't want to be included.

"He didn't want to be in the squad," the German told Sky Sports before the game

"He would have been in the squad normally but he didn't want to and that was the reason why he didn't travel with us yesterday [Friday]."

However Martial took to social media to fire back at the comments and insisted he would never "refuse" to play for the club.

Posting on his Instagram story, he said: "I will never refuse to play a match for Man Utd.

"I've been here for seven years and I never disrespected and will never disrespect the club and the fans."

Game time has been hard to come by for the want away Frenchman who has yet to feature since a 3-2 win against Arsenal in December.

The 26-year-old also hasn't been named in a Premier League starting XI since 2 October and having revealed his desire to leave, has been the subject of interest from the likes of Sevilla and clubs in his native France.

Related links:

• Ralf Rangnick admits he has been ‘surprised’ by quality of the Premier League
• Ralf Rangnick fires back after Anthony Martial’s agent claimed the striker wants to leave
• Anthony Martial wants to leave Man Utd in January, agent says