Ralf Rangnick has been praised for the way in which he has handled the public fallout with Anthony Martial.
The interim boss claimed after Manchester United’s 2-2 draw with Aston Villa on Saturday that Martial had refused to play, with the German having planned on including him in his squad at Villa Park.
The French international though hit back on social media hours later, insisting: “I will never refuse to play a match for Man United” as he refuted Rangnick’s version of events.
Martial has not featured for United since the 3-2 win over Arsenal December 2, and has informed Rangnick of his desire to leave the club during the January transfer window.
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The United boss chose not to backtrack on his original comments when questioned about the situation again earlier this week, although he did reveal he had spoken to Martial following his post on Saturday night.
"I'm here now for six weeks, all the things that need to be said I said after the press conference," Rangnick said.
"I had a conversation with him on Sunday, a personal conversation with him about what happened and how I saw the whole situation, the matter is now resolved.”
And the German has been praised for his ‘swift’ response by former Newcastle and Brighton boss Chris Hughton, who believes Rangnick can now turn his attentions back to the bigger issues at Old Trafford.
“Ralf Rangnick’s another manager that speaks very well, and speaks very, very clearly,” Hughton told the BBC’s Football Daily podcast.
“I know what he realises is the job that he has at Manchester United, this is one issue. We are talking about a player that hasn’t played so many games this season, that perhaps even over a longer period of time hasn’t been a regular starter.
“I think he has dealt with it very swiftly, and also the communication has been very clear. None of us are privy to what those conversations have been, but it’s one that has been dealt with.
“It’s one that gets it out of the way for him because he knows he has a lot bigger issues than that.”
Martial’s future remains up in the air for the time being, with Sevilla having had an offer to take him on loan rejected.
The France international is under contract at United until 2024, with the club holding an option of an additional year.
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