Anthony Martial relishes Manchester United super-sub role after admitting he struggled last season

Striker says coming off bench makes him hungrier and sharper - but long-term aim is to win back regular starting place

Ian Tuckey

Published: 19:13, 4 Nov 2017
Updated: 19:16, 4 Nov 2017

ANTHONY MARTIAL insists he is relishing his Manchester United super-sub role - after admitting he struggled last season.

The £36milion France striker, who sunk Tottenham last weekend, believes he is hungrier than sharper than ever after winning the trust of Old Trafford boss Jose Mourinho.

Martial has Romelu Lukaku and Marcus Rashford ahead of him in the United pecking order for frontmen.

And last term's top scorer, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, should be fit enough to return for the second half of the season.

But Martial believes he can build on his dazzling form from the bench - and eventually win both a regular place at Old Trafford and a recall for his national tream ahead of the World Cup finals next summer.

Martial, 21, told MUTV: "I think when I come on to the pitch as a sub, I’m hungry, desperate to play.

Anthony Martial has regained the faith of Man Utd manager Jose MourinhoCredit: Rex Features

Anthony Martial believes he is still at the centre of things for Man Utd despite mainly being used as a sub this seasonCredit: Rex Features

“I want to get some action, to score, to make some key passes, I want to give everything I can to help the team.”

"At the moment, I’m happy, even if I could have done more, scored more goals and made more decisive passes. But I’m happy.

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"I think the difference is that last year I didn’t have a good season but, for now, things are going pretty well.

"I’m achieving my objectives and I hope to score a lot more by the end of the season.

“I must continue to keep up good performances for my club and if I’ve got the chance to start over there [for France] I will do the best I can."

Martial has been compared by some to Old Trafford legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer - the benchmark for substitutes, not just with United but in the history of the Premier League.

Anthony Martial hopes to finish this season with his best goal tally so far for UtdCredit: Rex Features

Marcus Rashford and Romelu Lukaku have been the main men in attack for UtdCredit: EPA

Solskjaer famously completed United's stoppage-time comeback win over Bayern Munich in the 1999 Champions League final.

And Martial would surely settle for such a contribution this term as United cruise towards the Champions League knockout phase as well as being second in the Premier League.