I was banished from Aston Villa training like Anthony Martial at Manchester United – and Erik ten Hag could have ulterior motive

Gabby Agbonlahor has slammed Erik ten Hag’s decision to make Anthony Martial train away from his Manchester United teammates.

The French striker has not participated in group training since picking up a sickness bug last month and hasn’t featured for the Red Devils since the 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth on December 9.

Ten Hag has told reporters that the reason behind the move is to help Martial improve his fitness and not a disciplinary issue.

However the amount of time it has taken Martial to recover has led former Aston Villa striker Agbonlahor to believe there could be other reasons behind Ten Hag’s decision.

Martial is set to be released on a free transfer when his current deal expires in the summer if he does not find a new club this month.

The Red Devils expect Martial to leave in the summer and the 28-year-old is now free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs.

“It’s probably because Martial doesn’t want to leave,” Agbonlahor told talkSPORT. “Maybe a chance to leave has been offered and he hasn’t so he’s [Ten Hag] banished him like he did to Jadon Sancho.

“Should Martial still be at Manchester United? No he shouldn't. He doesn’t put enough effort in but don't put him on his own. I don’t like the training on your own though, I don't like that.

“If it was a normal player, you train with the team and do extra with a fitness coach after training. He’s obviously been banished for a reason and Ten Hag’s done it again."

Martial's current plight struck a chord with Agbonlahor who recalled being in a similar situation at Aston Villa under former boss Roberto Di Matteo.

The Italian took charge in 2016 shortly after the Midlands club had been relegated to the Championship.

Following a string of poor results, Di Matteo was sacked just four-months later and Agbonlahor explained how the ex-Chelsea boss tried to force him out of the club.

“It happened to me under Di Matteo at Villa. I tell you, it’s the worst thing you can go through as a player," Agbonlahor continued.

"He [Di Matteo] wanted me to leave and I said ‘no, who are you to tell me to leave. I’m not going anywhere, this is my club and I’ve been here since I was a kid’.

“Yes we got relegated and it was horrible for the football club but I wanted to make amends.

“He made me play with the under-23s some days and on my own on other days and it’s horrible as a player.

“You wake up in the morning and you’re like, ‘what's the point?’”