Manchester United attacker Anthony Martial has stated that he would like to start games rather than make an impact coming off of the bench.
Anthony Martial has enjoyed a fine season so far, scoring four goals as well as providing 2 assists in the Premier League and what has made the Frenchman’s exploits all the more impressive is the fact that he has been handed only 297 minutes of action on the pitch.
Martial’s pace and incisiveness means that manager Jose Mourinho has decided to use the attacker as an impact substitute against tiring defences rather than a regular starter and while such a strategy has worked well so far, the 21-year-old does not entirely agree with how he is being used at the moment.
Martial stated that it is easier for him to start matches rather than make an impact off of the bench and stated in no uncertain terms that he would want more minutes on the pitch, which can be viewed as a message to Mourinho.
The French international told SFR Sport, “It’s easier to start the game. 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.”
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