Manchester United's Anthony Martial: 'It's annoying to be on the bench, it's truly annoying'

Manchester United forward Anthony Martial has admitted it is "annoying" to sit on the bench after failing to cement a place in the starting lineup. He has started in seven matches, while adding three more appearances from the bench in the Premier League.

The 21-year-old was signed by Louis van Gaal and he arrived at Old Trafford from AS Monaco in the summer of 2015. He bagged 17 goals in 47 starts in all competitions in the previous season, something which he has failed to replicate this term.

Jose Mourinho replaced Van Gaal and he signed Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who has been leading United's attack. The Swed's arrival has forced Marcus Rashford to settle for a place on the wide positions, along with Martial, Juan Mata, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Jesse Lingard.

Despite lack of playing time, the France international claims he will prove his worth to the former Real Madrid and Chelsea manager in order to become a first team regular.

"It's annoying to be on the bench, it's truly annoying, but it's a test you have to overcome and that's how you progress," Martial told SFR Sport, as quoted by ESPN.

"It's difficult because all you want is to be able to help the team and when you're on the bench you can't. But these are choices and you have to accept it.''

"People expect a lot of me, but sometimes they forget I'm still young. Everyone can think what they want, it won't change anything."

Martial started in United's 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur and the same clash saw Henrikh Mkhitaryan pick up an ankle injury, which has forced the Armenian international to spend time on the sidelines. Despite the former Borussia Dortmund star's absence, Mourinho decided against taking the French forward to Crystal Palace.

He will be hoping to make it to the squad when Mourinho takes his men to The Hawthorns to face West Bromwich Albion on 17 December. Martial has four goals to his name in all competitions this season.