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MANCHESTER UNITED'S hero against Tottenham Anthony Martial sent a message to boss Jose Mourinho, saying: "I want to start".

French forward, 21, scored the late winner at Old Trafford, his fourth goal off the bench this season, before handing his boss the ultimatum.

 Anthony Martial scored the late winner against Tottenham on Saturday
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Anthony Martial scored the late winner against Tottenham on SaturdayCredit: Reuters

Romelu Lukaku and Marcus Rashford started the game, but failed to create any clear-cut chances, before Martial replaced the England youngster with 20 minutes to play.

The France star raced onto a flicked-header from Lukaku to bundle the ball past Hugo Lloris with his left foot.

After netting the winner against Spurs, Martial said: "Me, I want to play.

"I don't want to be on the bench. Rashford has been good too and the manager wants to give us a chance."

 Anthony Martial has urged Jose Mourinho to start him following his heroics
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Anthony Martial has urged Jose Mourinho to start him following his heroicsCredit: Reuters

Meanwhile, Mourinho had his say on just why Martial is not a regular starter for United.

The Special One claimed: "Sometimes he starts the match and his contribution is good but he doesn't score.


MARTIAL ARTIST Manchester United 1 Tottenham 0: Anthony Martial comes off the bench to score late winner, but Romelu Lukaku’s top six struggles continue against Spurs


"I don't understand some reactions when people question 'are they Red Devils'?

"The two strikers were up against amazing central defenders... some of the best in Europe.

 Anthony Martial has now scored four Premier League goal off the bench this term
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Anthony Martial has now scored four Premier League goal off the bench this termCredit: PA:Press Association
Jose Mourinho with 'finger to lips' gesture to camera after Spurs win
Manchester United 1-0 Tottenham: Anthony Martial comes off the bench to score late winner against Spurs

"Martial scores with a bad shot, but the bad shots can be the most beautiful.

"To play well against a very, very good team feels even better."

On his role, coming off the bench to snatch all three points on the day, Martial heaped praise on Lukaku.

 Anthony Martial killed Tottenham's hopes with his late strike at Old Trafford
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Anthony Martial killed Tottenham's hopes with his late strike at Old TraffordCredit: PA:Empics Sport

The French forward said: "The manager told me to find space.

"I know that Lukaku is good with his head and I found the space and scored."

"We lost the last game. It was important for us to win and I am happy to score."

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