Manchester United interim boss Ralf Rangnick is open to the idea of rebuilding his relationship with Anthony Martial because the striker could yet remain at the club during the January transfer window, sources have told ESPN.

Rangnick has held clear the air talks with Martial after the forward rejected the claim his manager’s claim that he “did not want” to be part of the squad for their 2-2 draw with Aston Villa on Saturday.

Privately, Rangnick has insisted he did not say Martial refused to travel, only that he did not feel he could play and that the situation is a case of “crossed wires” rather than an irreparable rift between the pair.

Martial has already told Rangnick he wants to leave this month, but United are demanding any interested club cover all the 26-year-old’s wages and pay a loan fee.