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Ralf Rangnick has told Anthony Martial to speak directly to him, and not via his agent in the media, if he wishes to leave Manchester United next month.

The Frenchman, 26, appears destined to leave Old Trafford this winter, having fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford. Indeed, Martial has started just four games in all competitions during a season of struggle so far. And the forward is also yet to feature under interim boss Rangnick, having picked up a knee injury before last weekend’s win over Crystal Palace.

As such, Martial’s agent recently appeared on Sky Sports to break the news that Martial wants to leave United in the January window.

“Anthony wishes to leave the club in January,” Philippe Lamboley said. “He just needs to play, he doesn’t want to stay in January and I will speak to the club soon.”

Still in what should be his prime, a queue of potential suitors quickly formed. Inded, a report soon identified Arsenal, Newcastle, Barcelona and PSG were all in the frame.

However, of the quartet it seems Newcastle’s interest is the most genuine. To that end, a report on Monday claimed they were willing to pay ‘whatever it needs’ to take Martial to St James’ Park.

Rangnick taking no nonsense

Wherever his future lies, Rangnick does not seem one to take any nonsense from agents. And, the wily German has told Martial that he should direct to his door if he wants to leave the club.

“I don’t communicate with agents via the media and press,” Rangnick said. “The player hasn’t spoken with me or us about it.

“After the final training session before the Crystal Palace game, after having trained with team, he informed the doctor and the medical department that he would not be available because the pain in his knee is too big. We have to wait and see.

“Maybe he can train again [on Sunday] but I have to speak to the doctor first. To be honest, what his agent says via the media is not of that much interest to me.”

Rangnick was then asked if he would speak to Martial about his agent’s claims, to which he gave an honest answer.

“No. Then I would react to what his agent has said and it should be the player,” he added.

“If he really has the wish to go to another club it should be the player who informs either the board or myself. I have never spoken about a player via the media and via agents.”

History repeating itself over Martial

It’s certainly not the first time Martial has tried to push for a move away from Old Trafford.

Back in 2018, the player was also open to moving on when he struggled to claim regular football under Jose Mourinho.

Indeed, the Portuguese boss was very much open to his sale until Joel Glazer’s intervention put the brakes on his sale.

And when United triggered the one-year option on Martial’s deal in the December of that year, Lamboley revealed his ‘pessimism’ over a new deal entirely.

United, however, sacked Mourinho the following the day and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s regime sparked a quick upturn in fortunes.

As such, Martial then signed a new five-and-a-half-year deal at United in January 2019, taking him through to 2024.

That deal still has two and a half years to run so United can expect a sizeable fee for Martial should he depart.

The Frenchman has 79 goals in 268 appearances for United since arriving from Monaco in September 2015.

READ MORE: Rangnick urged to step aside with Man Utd tipped to make new boss appointment

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