Manchester United forward Anthony Martial has been warned by Jose Mourinho that he is fighting for his future at the club after failing to impress this season.
The French international joined United last summer and was a key part of Louis van Gaal’s squad as he scored 20 goals and provided 16 assists in 63 appearances in all competitions.
However, it hasn’t quite gone to plan so far this season, as he has managed just two goals and two assists in 13 outings which in turn has seen him start to fall down the pecking order.
“You have one opportunity, you have two, you have three, if you don’t bite then somebody comes and takes the bait,” Mourinho said, as reported by the Daily Mail. “Anthony was OK for Feyenoord. I cannot play with 12 players.”
The Portuguese tactician added that he accepts that the way in which the team played under Van Gaal suited Martial’s game more, but warned him that given the level of competition in that area of the squad, he’ll have to take his chances.
With Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata, Marcus Rashford and others all vying for places behind the main striker, Martial will have to deliver when given an opportunity otherwise he may well see himself on the bench for the foreseeable future.
It will be a huge disappointment for the 20-year-old given the impact he had last year, but it will be a test of his character as he looks to respond to adversity and prove to Mourinho that he can still offer a great deal.