• French forward admits life is a challenge at Old Trafford • Striker has started seven Premier League games this season

This article is more than 3 years old

This article is more than 3 years old

Anthony Martial says life on the Manchester United bench is “truly annoying” as he fights for a place in José Mourinho’s team.

The 21-year-old has struggled to reproduce the form of his first campaign at Old Trafford, which followed his £36m move from Monaco.

He started in United’s 1-0 win over Tottenham on Sunday, before sitting out the 2-1 victory at Crystal Palace on Wednesday. And in a French television interview Martial admitted it was a challenge he had to confront after starting only seven of 16 Premier League matches this season.

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He told the broadcaster SFR Sport: “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.

“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.”

The signing from Paris Saint-Germain of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and the Swede’s impressive scoring record have limited his chances but Martial is determined to play the long game.

“People expect a lot of me but sometimes they forget I’m still young,” he said before Saturday’s trip to West Bromwich Albion. “Everyone can think what they want. It won’t change anything.”