ANTHONY MARTIAL has angrily denied claims from Ralf Rangnick that he didn't want to be in the squad for Man Utd against Aston Villa.
He posted on social media: "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."
Cristiano Ronaldo meanwhile was forced to watch the 2-2 draw from the sidelines due to injury.
The Red Devils looked to have secured the points after a double from Bruno Fernandes, but capitulated late on.
Meanwhile, Erling Haaland has hit out at his club Borussia Dortmund for trying to force him into a quick decision on his future.
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- Joshua Jones
Good morning Red Devils fans
Bruno Fernandes claims the time for excuses is running out – and Newcastle want Phil Jones.
Midfielder Fernandes saw Aston Villa cancel out his two goals in Saturday's 2-2 draw.
Both the Portuguese star and interim boss Ralf Rangick fumed at the Red Devils crumbling.
But with United visiting Brentford on Wednesday, Fernandes wants the recriminations to end sharply.
He said: “The frustration is there but it’s now time to carry on because the next game is coming quick.
“As I said before, now it’s time to understand what we can do better and go to the next game and try to win. That will be another tough game.”
Meanwhile, 29-year-old Jones could finally revive his career after injuries.
Yet United are reportedly holding out for £15million despite the ex-England ace being way down their list of centre-back options.
Wantaway frontman Anthony Martial has denied suggestions he declined to play in Saturday's stalemate.
Rangnick has already revealed Martial wants to leave this month.
But the Frenchman said: “I will never refuse to play a match for Manchester United.
“I’ve been here for seven years and I never disrespected and will never disrespect the club and the fans.”
Finally, Borussia Dortmund have sought to defuse United target Erling Haaand's claim that the Bundesliga giants are pushing him to decide his future.
Dortmund’s sporting director Michael Zorc told Kicker: “Erling’s statements surprised us a bit.
“There is currently no deadline, no deadlines, and there have not even been any discussions. But that we want and have to have talks at some point is clear, understandable and only professional.”
- Ian Tuckey
Dortmund stunned by Erling claim
Borussia Dortmund have been left ‘surprised’ by Erling Haaland’s claim he has been set a deadline to decide his future.
The 21-year-old Norwegian’s £64million release clause promises to make him one of the most sought after players in world football this summer – with Manchester United and City reportedly keen.
And earlier this week Haaland revealed Dortmund are applying pressure on him to make up his mind about where he wants to be next season – and want him to do so by the end of January.
He said: “Borussia Dortmund are now pushing me to make a decision about things… but I just want to play football.
“That probably means that I will soon have to get things started. I never spoke until now to respect the club.
“Dortmund have started to put lot of pressure on me. They want me to decide [my future] now. And so yes, things will happen now, even if I only wanted to focus on football and play football.”These quotes have stunned Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc – who has publicly insisted no such talks have taken place between the player and the club.
He told Kicker: “Haaland’s comments surprised us a bit. There is no deadline and there have not even been any talks yet.
“But we want to hold talks at some point.”
- Ian Tuckey
Utd 'want £15m for Toon target Jones'
Manchester United's forgotten defender Phil Jones is attracting interest from Newcastle.
But it's claimed the Red Devils want around £15million for the first-team outcast, 29.
- Ian Tuckey
Toon want Kenyon
Newcastle are keen to add the experienced Peter Kenyon to their management team as chief executive.
The former Manchester United and Chelsea supremo is a leading candidate to run the club off the field.
The new Toon owners want expertise and have already teed up Dan Ashworth for a top role.
But Kenyon is seen as ideal for CEO because of his organisational skills and to drive commercial expansion.
Kenyon has advised clubs since leaving Chelsea but this would be his first big post for some time.
The Toon have been trying to reshape their off-the-field team.
Nick Hammond has worked in a key role in deals since Lee Charnley left.
Kenyon oversaw transfers at both United and Chelsea.
And Newcastle have been inundated with players being offered by agents — and will need work on that area in future windows.
- Ian Tuckey
Nani an instant hero
Ex-Manchester United star Nani made an instant impact for Italian side Venezia as he came off the bench to provide an assist after just ONE MINUTE.
The 35-year-old signed for the Serie A outfit on Friday, agreeing an 18-month deal with the newly-promoted team.
And he wasted no time in making his mark as he helped his new club clinch a vital point in their battle to avoid the drop.
Venezia were 1-0 down at home to mid-table Empoli with 18 minutes remaining.
In need of a fresh attacking threat, manager Paolo Zanetti brought Nani on in a bid to find an equaliser.
And it was an inspired decision from the Venezia head coach.
Just 60 seconds into his debut the ex-Red Devils man played a neat one-two with Nedim Bajrami before darting into the penalty area.
He swiftly slotted the ball into the path of fellow substitute David Okereke who lashed the ball home.
Jubilant scenes ensued as Nani sprinted off to celebrate with the rest of his new teammates and fans.
Venezia are now two points clear of the relegation zone as they look to avoid dropping straight back down to Serie B.
- Ian Tuckey
Ralf so wrong
Owen Hargreaves has rubbished Rangnicks claims that United bossed yesterday's 2-1 draw at Aston Villa.
He told Premier League Productions: “Ralf Rangnick said they had ‘control of the game’ but look at the stats!”
“I mean 45% possession…is that ‘having control?
“In the second half they only had 35% possession so I mean that’s not good enough.
“In terms of the scoreline you look at 2-0 and you think you’ve got control but actually United [didn’t have control].”
- Ian Tuckey
No demands made
Borussia Dortmund have expressed dismay over Haaland’s remarks claiming that the German side were pressuring him to make a decision over his future.
Dortmund’s sporting director Michael Zorc insisted that they’ve made no such demands.
Zorc told Kicker: “Erling’s statements surprised us a bit.
“There is currently no deadline, no deadlines, and there have not even been any discussions. But that we want and have to have talks at some point is clear, understandable and only professional.”
- Ian Tuckey
Martial: I'd never refuse to play
Unsettled striker Anthony Martial has denied interim boss Ralf Rangnick's suggestion he was unwilling to play in yesterday's 2-2 draw at Aston Villa.
Rangnick has already revealed the Frenchman wants to leave.
And Atletico Madrid are among the clubs linked with a January swoop for the 26-year-old
But Martial said: "I will never refuse to play a match for Manchester United.
"I've been here for 7 years and I never disrespected and will never disrespect the club and the fans."
Credit: PA - Ian Tuckey
Dortmund stunned by Erling claim
Borussia Dortmund have been left 'surprised' by Erling Haaland's claim he has been set a deadline to decide his future.
The 21-year-old Norwegian's £64million release clause promises to make him one of the most sought after players in world football this summer – with Manchester United and City reportedly keen.
And earlier this week Haaland revealed Dortmund are applying pressure on him to make up his mind about where he wants to be next season – and want him to do so by the end of January.
He said: “Borussia Dortmund are now pushing me to make a decision about things… but I just want to play football.
"That probably means that I will soon have to get things started. I never spoke until now to respect the club.
“Dortmund have started to put lot of pressure on me. They want me to decide [my future] now. And so yes, things will happen now, even if I only wanted to focus on football and play football.”These quotes have stunned Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc – who has publicly insisted no such talks have taken place between the player and the club.
He told Kicker: “Haaland's comments surprised us a bit. There is no deadline and there have not even been any talks yet.
"But we want to hold talks at some point.”
- Ian Tuckey
Ron's stroke of luck
Cristiano Ronaldo chose to spend his Sunday relaxing in his pool wearing a pair of tiny swimming shorts as he recovers from injury.
The 36-year-old missed Manchester United's 2-2 draw at Aston Villa with a thigh issue.
But he seemed happy enough as he posted an envious photo of him in a pool onto Instagram.
He simply captioned it 'relaxing' and gave the thumbs up, sporting his own branded shorts – although they might have been boxers.
SunSport exclusively revealed he left training early because of a new injury, and it saw him miss the trip to Villa Park.
Interim chief Ralf Rangnick said: "With Ronaldo, it's unfortunate, it's still the same problem.
"I had a conversation with him yesterday before and after training and he decided he's not fully fit, but hopefully he'll be available on Wednesday."
Ronaldo was looked at by United’s medical specialists before driving home where he will make use of his own private oxygen chamber he has had put in his house.
- Ian Tuckey
Why I was Fer-urious
Fernandes has gone onto explain why he was fuming with match officials after United’s match against Villa.
He said: “I was asking the referee why they were making a fourth sub when Buendía was injured with his shoulder?
“I think the doctor said that he had hurt his head and if there is a head injury, there needs to be a change.
“But come on, he hurt his shoulder and they cannot get another sub.
“I get that the referee has to follow the rules, but I was just asking why and that was it.”
- Justin Lawrence
No control
Owen Hargreaves has rubbished Rangnick's claims that United bossed their match against Aston Villa.
He told Premier League Productions: "Ralf Rangnick said they had ‘control of the game’ but look at the stats!"
"I mean 45% possession…is that ‘having control?
"In the second half they only had 35% possession so I mean that’s not good enough.
"In terms of the scoreline you look at 2-0 and you think you’ve got control but actually United [didn’t have control]."
- Justin Lawrence
We have to move on
Bruno Fernandes has urged his United team-mates to learn from their mistakes after they squandered a two goal lead to draw with Aston Villa.
He said: “The frustration is there but it’s now time to carry on because the next game is coming quick.
“As I said before, now it’s time to understand what we can do better and go to the next game and try to win. That will be another tough game.”
- Justin Lawrence
Two sides to a story
Andy Cole has weighed in on Martial's alleged refusal to join United's matchday squad against Aston Villa.
He told Sky Sports: "There's always two sides to the story, one saying one another saying the other, for what reason are you not in the squad?
"Ultimately, if the manager's asked you to be in the squad and you're not in the squad, there has to be a reason behind it.
There's been a lot of problems this season with Man United behind the scenes, on the football pitch and it's not working well at the moment.
"The manager shouldn't be asking you, he should be telling you [that you're in the squad] but when we're talking about standards, dressing room cultures whatever it may be, decisions need to be made and as players you've got to stand up and be counted you can't just turn around.
"If it is the case, and go I don't want to be apart of the squad, you're letting yourself down as well as your teammates, as well as the football club and the fans.
"As I said there's two sides to every story and no doubts we'll get to the bottom of it sooner rather than later."
- Justin Lawrence
United must make Pochettino approach swift
Man United must move fast to make Mauricio Pochettino manager as other top clubs are reportedly sounding out the PSG chief.
Ex-Tottenham boss Poch has long been favourite to succeed interim Old Trafford manager Ralf Rangnick next season.
But it's claimed Old Trafford bigwigs have recently been in contact with Inter Milan chief Simone Inzaghi.
Ajax's long-serving Erik ten Hag also remains on the radar.
Now The Telegraph say Pochettino has been made aware he will attract interest from more rival teams at the end of the season.
- Justin Lawrence
Martial spotted leaving training alone
Martial has been pictured for the first time since allegedly refusing to travel for the Aston Villa game.
The Manchester United forward, 26, was spotted leaving the training ground alone on Sunday afternoon.
The Frenchman wore a green hoody over his head as he drove his Range Rover away from Carrington.
He even stopped and agreed to pose for selfies for a couple of young fans.
- Justin Lawrence
No demands made
Borussia Dortmund have expressed dismay over Haaland's remarks claiming that the German side were pressuring him to make a decision over his future.
Dortmund's sporting director Michael Zorc insisted that they've made no such demands.
Zorc told Kicker: "Erling's statements surprised us a bit.
"There is currently no deadline, no deadlines, and there have not even been any discussions. But that we want and have to have talks at some point is clear, understandable and only professional."
- Justin Lawrence
Spurs should sign Lingard
Spurs legend Clive Allen has urged his former side to sign Jesse Lingard to provide Harry Kane with some extra support.
Allen told talkSPORT: “He is a talented player and at the moment Spurs are looking for an injection. One, they need some creativity in that midfield area.
“Harry Kane is looking a little frustrated at the lack of opportunities created for him.
“Someone of Lingard’s quality would be a fabulous addition.”
- Justin Lawrence
United fans vent frustrations at club
United fans made their contempt for those running the club known during their clash against Aston Villa with a banner which read 'broken and rotten from top to bottom'.
The Red Devils suffered more anguish at Villa Park on Saturday evening as they threw away a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Steven Gerrard's men.
And Man Utd fans made their case about the problems at the club with the strongly worded message hung over the railings of the away end.
Reacting to the banner, one supporter said: "Doesn't matter who comes in as the next manager.
"Doesn't matter what players the club signs.
"As long as the clowns calling the shots at the club are there, this club will never be successful."
And another added: "Players like Martial not wanting to play now. Get rid of all these players. Start again.
"Don’t give stupid contract offers to Pogba and Co and beg them to stay. Get rid of all the old, overpaid and over-hyped players that think they're bigger than the club."
- Justin Lawrence
Ronaldo’s missus misses supermarket shopping
Georgina Rodriguez has admitted that she misses going supermarket shopping with her football star husband Ronaldo.
Georgina, asked how she coped with having cameras outside her door and the effect fame had on her daily life, told leading daily El Mundo: “That’s the part I find most difficult and miss the most with Cris.
“Things like wanting to go to a shop or supermarket like I see a lot of couples doing.
“At times I think we have a lot of good things, but it’s hard not being able to go to corner cafe, always having to go to restaurants well-organised so people don’t bother you, that you can’t go to school to pick up your kids.
“You lose a lot of everyday things that you had before, that Cris lost a long time ago and neither of us have now.
“We don’t live locked away at home all the time, Cris works and trains but we go to have dinner and buy things at quieter places.”
- Justin Lawrence
Fernandes explains rage
Fernandes has gone onto explain why he was fuming with match officials after United's match against Villa.
He said: "I was asking the referee why they were making a fourth sub when Buendía was injured with his shoulder?
"I think the doctor said that he had hurt his head and if there is a head injury, there needs to be a change.
"But come on, he hurt his shoulder and they cannot get another sub.
"I get that the referee has to follow the rules, but I was just asking why and that was it."
- Justin Lawrence
Fernandes' Villa fury
Bruno Fernandes was fuming with the officials after Manchester United's draw at Aston Villa.
The Portuguese, 27, took exception to Villa trying to substitute Emiliano Buendia late on in the game – after Steven Gerrard had made his three substitutes.
And despite the medical team informing Fernandes that Buendia had suffered a head injury – and the fact he was not taken off – Fernandes was still raging after the match.
The United star even confronted the fourth official in the tunnel after full-time.
- Justin Lawrence
'United have to be No.1'
Roy Keane disagrees with Ronaldo's thesis that United should be a top-three team at minimum.
Keane thinks the only position United are worthy of is the top spot.
He told Sky Sports: "If you're playing for Man United your mindset should be that you're at the very, very top. We have had this conversation many times before and they should at No.1.
"But where they they are at the moment, the reality is, they are up against it. Their performances haven't been great, some of the results particularly."
- Justin Lawrence
Bailly transfer in limbo
United are reportedly open to letting Eric Bailly join AC Milan on loan.
The defender has also given his consent to a switch to the Serie A side, according to sempremilan.
However, the proposed deal could fall through as United and Milan can't seem to agree on the finer details of the move.
The two issues said to be holding up an agreement between the parties is the loan fee and potential buy-out clause, sempremilan claim.
- Justin Lawrence
'We're missing Ron'
Juve star Matthijs de Ligt has admitted that the Serie A giants are missing Ronaldo's goals.
Speaking after Juve's 2-0 win over Udinese, De Ligt said when asked if his side were missing the United ace by Football Italia: “I think so, yes.
"Cristiano is the kind of player who goes into the box and will always get a goal, he rarely wastes an opportunity. We have missed that since the start of the season.
“We don’t have a hitman who can score 30 goals per season, but we do need to contribute goals from everyone and everywhere, which is starting to happen now.”
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