Manchester United winger Anthony Martial has backed himself to deliver the performances that he believes are required in order for the 21-year-old to earn a starting place in Jose Mourinho's side.
The Portuguese coach has preferred to open with Marcus Rashford on the left, before bringing on Martial during the latter stages of games, as part of a tactical plan that has allowed the Frenchman to contribute a number of decisive goals late on.
Martial has netted four times after coming off the bench, but the youngster has insisted that he wants to put together the kind of showings that will ultimately ensure that he earns more starts under Mourinho.
"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."
United currently hold second spot in the Premier League table, eight points adrift of leaders and bitter rivals Manchester City.
Christopher Dodd
