Manchester United star Anthony Martial admits he does not want substitute role under Jose Mourinho: 'I prefer to start games and show what I'm capable of'

  • Anthony Martial says he is unsatisfied with his role at Manchester United
  • Martial has been mainly used as a substitute by Jose Mourinho this season
  • The Frenchman says he is happy at the club but wants to start more games
  • He has had success from the bench, scoring four goals as a substitute this term 

Anthony Martial has spoken out about his desire to start more games for Manchester United.

The Frenchman has been something of a super-sub for manager Jose Mourinho this season, scoring six goals so far - including four from the bench - as he struggles to displace Marcus Rashford from the starting XI.

But Martial is not content with the role, pointing out that he feels he could have more of an impact for United if he were starting matches rather than coming on in the second half.

Anthony Martial has spoken about his role at Manchester United after joining up with France

Anthony Martial has spoken about his role at Manchester United after joining up with France

Martial has been mainly used as a substitute by Jose Mourinho (right) this season

Martial has been mainly used as a substitute by Jose Mourinho (right) this season

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'It's easier to start the game,' Martial told SFR Sport. 'When you come off the bench, the other players are warmed up, they're totally in the game, and you have to get into it straight away. I prefer to start the game, I have more time to get myself into the game.


'I have faith in my qualities, and I think the manager has confidence in me, too, so it's up to me to continue putting in good performances, and if I do that, I think I'll play a bit more.

'We all prefer to play, even if at United when I come off the bench, I make a difference. I prefer to start games and show what I'm capable of.

'When you score and you're a forward, you're happy. It's going well. Even though I'm a substitute, I play often.

'I've played three, two games in the Champions League, I play one game in two. It's going well. I'd like to play more - that's going to come through my performances.' 

Martial's latest substitute appearance came in the 1-0 defeat by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last Sunday. He has made just five starts compared with 11 appearances from the bench.

Rashford has scored seven goals for United this term from 11 starts, with seven substitute appearances. 

Marcus Rashford, here in England training, has been preferred to Martial so far this season

Marcus Rashford, here in England training, has been preferred to Martial so far this season

Martial admits a substitute role is not what he's looking for
Martial's admission could hand Mourinho a potential problem

Martial admits the role is not what he's looking for, handing Mourinho a potential problem