Martial opens up over his lack of Man United starts

Matt Stead

Anthony Martial has discussed his lack of starts for Manchester United this season.

Martial has started eight of 18 games for United in all competitions so far, with just three of those coming in the Premier League.

He has started more than one game consecutively just once in the Premier League, and was again left on the bench in defeat to Chelsea on Sunday – READ 16 CONCLUSIONS NOW.

“It’s easier to start the game,” he admitted to 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.”