Ralf Rangnick discusses Anthony Martial’s role as wantaway striker returns to the Manchester United team
Despite receiving some boos when he came on, it was a positive return to the side for Martial.
Ralf Rangnick praised Anthony Martial’s contribution after he came off the bench to help Manchester United take three points on Saturday, with a 1-0 win at home over West Ham United.
The Red Devils left it late seal the victory - virtually the last kick of the game, in fact - but Marcus Rashford’s injury-time tap-in at the back post wrapped up a second win in four days for United.
Anthony Martial played a key role in the goal after he laid the ball on to Edinson Cavani, with the No.21 then crossing it to the waiting Rashford.
That was Martial’s first involvement since Rangnick took over as interim manager last month, amid speculation that he’s on his way out of Old Trafford.
The Frenchman’s agent even confirmed he wants to leave, as did Rangnick, and Martial’s late substitute appearance comes just a week after the United manager claimed the 26-year-old didn’t want to be selected in the team, with Martial himself refuting that statement.
However, his introduction on 82 minutes helped push United to victory, and Rangnick praised Martial’s professionalism since their disagreement last week.
“When we last spoke one-and-a-half weeks ago, I told him it is all about being professional until the very last day,” the German said in his post-match press conference.
“No mention of how long he will stay or wanting to leave, for me it is about being professional. I think it was good to have this conversation with him.
“In the last two games, he was part of the squad and today he played a vital role in creating that goal we scored. I know that he is a top player, one of the best strikers in the Premier League, but we have other players in this position and it is his wish to leave.
“As I said to him, ‘listen, it always takes different parts to make an agreement’ and the way that he trained and the way he played when he came on today showed that the professionalism that I expect from everybody.
“I am happy that he was playing today and that he could come on and that he played a vital role in preparing that goal.”