Manchester United’s Anthony Martial knows he ‘can perform better’

Manchester United forward Anthony Martial said he has not been at his best this season — and people “have not seen the true Martial” yet.

Martial, 20, has not started for United since being substituted with a calf injury in the 3-1 defeat at Watford last month. He has come off the bench twice since then, scoring in the 1-1 home draw against Stoke City.

The France forward, who also came off the bench for France against Netherlands during the international break, said: “I don’t think you have seen the true Martial at Man United yet. I know I can perform better, I know I can do more. But I’m convinced this season can be my year. It’s a feeling I have.”

Jose Mourinho’s men face Liverpool on Monday, a fixture that should bring back fond memories for Martial. The United player’s debut for the club was against the Reds in September last year and he scored in a 3-1 home win.

It was the start of a promising campaign for the former Monaco forward, who scored 17 goals in all competitions. His strike against Stoke is the only time that he has found the net so far this season.

Martial said: “It’s a big season for me and I want to be better than last year. I have many aspects of my game I need to improve and that’s what I am focusing on.

“When I look back, I think I could have done more last season, but I have to be positive. I didn’t think I’d play so quickly and get a regular place at my age.

“It is not easy to arrive in a different country and adapt quickly, but I think I’m getting there and I’m proud of that. But I want to be even better this season.”

Looking ahead to the prospect of facing Liverpool again, he added: “These big games. I think that this year there are many teams in the title race — [Manchester] City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Leicester, Chelsea and ourselves could all be there.

“But there can only be one champion, so every game is really important.”