Ralf Rangnick admits positive mood since Anthony Martial and Donny van de Beek exits

Ralf Rangnick has admitted that the mood at Manchester United has improved after Anthony Martial and Donny van de Beek left on loan.

Martial joined Sevilla until the end of the season during the January transfer window, later being followed by Van de Beek who made the same move to Everton - and both are flourishing.

Amad also joined Scottish giants Rangers, leading Rangnick to admit the absence of those want-aways has boosted the atmosphere within the squad.

"There were players unhappy, the squad was too big," the Red Devils boss stated in his pre-match news conference ahead of United's clash with Leeds on Sunday.

"Players realised they wouldn't get game time and the atmosphere is better than it used to be a couple of weeks ago.

"Now, for us it's about performing well, showing togetherness on the pitch, winning games and those are the things we can influence."

Martial scored his first goal for Sevilla in the Europa League on Thursday, with sporting director Monchi suggesting that the Spanish side have found the right way to handle the hot-and-cold striker, in a thinly-veiled swipe at Rangnick and co.

"In these two weeks he's been here, what I see is happiness," Monchi told The Times. "When a player has the technical, tactical, physical qualities, what you have to do is touch the perfect spot for these qualities to reappear.

"And we think we're capable of finding this spot. Possibly it could mean more affection, more support, more trust; speaking more to him, for his family to feel settled, for him to feel important. There's not one model for every player – everyone has their needs."

And in similar fashion to Martial's start, Van de Beek enjoyed a superb full debut for Everton last Saturday, pulling the