Panic at Old Trafford as Man United Star Refuses to Play Against Aston Villa

• Anthony Martial was not in action as Man United were held to a 2-2 draw at Villa Park
• Martial was expected to be named in the matchday squad following injuries for Rashford and Ronaldo
• However, it has emerged the Frenchman declined to be named in the travelling team as he eyes an Old Trafford exit
• The forward is keen on more regular football elsewhere after falling down the pecking order at United

Man United interim boss Ralf Rangnick has revealed Anthony Martial did not want to play against Aston Villa on Saturday, January 15.

United travelled to Villa to take on Steven Gerrard's charges for the Premier League cracker only days after the two sides faced off in an FA Cup tie.

The Red Devils were without a number of key players during the encounter which ended in a disappointing draw, with both Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcus Rashford missing the trip due to injuries.

Anthony Martial: Blow for Man United Striker as Spanish Giants End Interest in Frenchman

Football

Surprisingly, Martial, who is for is fit for selection was not named in the matchday squad in the absence of Ronaldo and Rashford as United named only eight substitutes.

The Frenchman has not played for United since December when he made a two-minute cameo off the bench against Arsenal.

Rangnick has now disclosed the forward refused to play against Villa as he eyes an Old Trafford exit this January.

"Yes, he didn’t want to be in the squad," the German boss 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," he added.

Metro UK reports the former Monaco ace is keen to leave the Theatre of Dreams in search of more regular football.

He has been heavily linked with a possible move to Sevilla on loan, with United reportedly demanding a huge loan fee for the transfer to happen.

Struggling Manchester United forward advised to consult Cristiano Ronaldo for help

Football

Meanwhile, in the absence of Martial, Rangnick was forced to pick Anthony Elanga to join Edinson Cavani and Mason Greenwood in the attack line.

Bruno Fernandes netted a stunning brace during the tie, only for Villa to stage a dramatic comeback to secure a point.

Roy Keane faults Man United duo for Villa draw

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Roy Keane has singled out Fred and Nemanja Matic for blame following Man United's 2-2 draw with Aston Villa.

United surrendered a two-goal advantage to settle for a point with Villa after Philippe Coutinho struck late after he came on as a sub.

Keane believes Fred and Matic let down Bruno Fernandes in the middle of the park after the duo's disappointing display.