Anthony Martial: Jose Mourinho is to blame for me not playing in the World Cup

• Soccer

Antony Martial played brilliantly in Manchester United's pre-season games. Even in the match against Liverpool, he was one of the best on the field. However, the Frenchman suffered an injury and it will take some time to return to the field.

Speaking to dailymail.com, Martial shocked United fans. Namely, Martial did not have such a good experience with Jose Mourinho. The Portuguese expert wanted Martial to wear number 11, but the French refused. However, there was a change of number, which angered Martial.

‘During the holidays, he [Mourinho] sent me a message to ask if I want to change to the No 11, explaining to me that it is great because it was worn by Ryan Giggs, a club legend.
I tell him that I have the greatest respect for Giggs but I prefer to keep the No 9.

When I returned to the club, I see my name with the No 11, the story did not end well. He [Mourinho] lacked direct respect for me.'

Antony Martial on Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Martial played great in the first part of the season, but Mourinho decided to bring in Sanchez, who took his place in the team.

It meant for Martial to be good considering that it was a ticket to the World Cup, but... 'I was the best in the team in the first part of the season, he brought in Alexis Sanchez and there I hardly played anymore. ‘It’s the season of the World Cup and it cost me dearly, especially since the France team won [the tournament].

I should have been there.’ Antony is also angry with former coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who did not want to defend Martial, given that he could not accelerate. At that time, he was under criticism from the fans, many wanted Martial to leave the club.

'‘People don’t know it, I couldn’t accelerate during the four months following the Covid season. The coach tells me he needs me, so I play. But, given my game, if I can’t accelerate, it becomes very complicated all the same.

And I got set on fire [criticised by fans]… the coach never bothered to tell the media. ‘I took it very badly, I had a feeling of injustice, you are asked to sacrifice yourself for the team and behind the scenes you are dismissed.

For me, it’s almost treachery. That’s all I hate. I can be blamed, but not for being fake.'