Rio Ferdinand has told Manchester United what needs to be done to settle the Anthony Martial situation.

Interim manager Ralf Rangnick revealed that Martial - who is pushing for a move away from Old Trafford - refused when handed the opportunity to be included in the United matchday squad against Aston Villa.

It was a post-match allegation which raised eyebrows across the Premier League scene.

Martial hit back at Rangnick via social media and said that he would 'never refuse' to play for United or 'disrespect' the club or their fans in that way. Manchester Evening News reported this afternoon that sit-down talks have been held between the pair.

However, while speaking about that follow-up, the German did not back-track on his initial suggestion.

Rangnick declared the matter closed as Martial continues to seek an outgoing transfer this month.

United have already knocked back one loan approach from Spanish team Sevilla - owing to the fact they were not willing (or able) to cover his entire £200,000 per-week wage packet.

During the latest episode of his popular Vibe With Five podcast, Ferdinand called for clarity and outlined what he thinks should happen if Martial was found to have fabricated his response. "Do you know what? That situation is a perfect example for the hierarchy of that football club," said Ferdinand.

"If Martial isn't telling the truth here - and I'm not casting any dispersions - but if he's not telling the truth when he says he's never refused to play or disrespected the club, if he did refuse then someone at that football club needs to come out and absolutely put this to bed.

"They need to give pure clarity, put a line in the sand, put a flag down and say; 'This is us and this is where we're at'.

"At the moment, Rangnick has come out with what he said and Martial responds and basically said the manager is lying. Someone better come out today or tomorrow and say something.

Do you agree with Ferdinand? Have your say in the comments section below.

"You can't have a player coming out and belittling what you say. No chance. He needs to get shut down if it's true.

"If Rangnick is right, there's no way his player should be allowed to speak like that. I don't understand it. Manchester United can't allow players to talk like that. There's a truth and a false in this situation and I want to know."

Sign up to our United newsletter so you never miss an update from Old Trafford this season.