Jose Mourinho has warned underperforming striker Anthony Martial that his chances at Manchester United are running out.

Martial was dropped for the visit of Feyenoord in the Europa League on Thursday night, which United won 4-0, with Henrikh Mkhitaryan instead shining in the Frenchman’s role.

The 20-year-old former Monaco forward joined United in a deal that could eventually reach £58m and burst onto the scene with a stunning goal against Liverpool on his debut, one of 17 goals he scored last season.

However, he has failed to hit those heights again so far this season, only finding the net twice – one of which being a penalty in the Europa League.

Martial’s form is believed to be down to a number of circumstances, including problems in his personal life and having a lack of a summer break after his efforts with France at Euro 2016.

He is also believed to be disappointed with United moving him from the No 9 shirt to the No 11 shirt in the wake of Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s arrival just as he launched the trademark ‘Martial9’.

“You have one opportunity, you have two, you have three - if you don’t bite then somebody comes and takes the bait,” Mourinho said. “Anthony was OK for Feyenoord. I cannot play with 12 players.

“The players have to win their positions. They are friends, they are colleagues who work together every day but in the end they compete between themselves to have more chance to play. Anthony played against Arsenal. Thursday was a moment to give Mkhitaryan a chance to start.

“The way the team played last season - I’m not saying better or worse, just different - was probably more adaptive to Anthony.

Manchester United transfer targets Show all 6 1 /6 Manchester United transfer targets Manchester United transfer targets Jose Gimenez (Atletico Madrid) The 21-year-old Uruguayan has already played 21 times for his country and has been touted as a future world-class centre-back. Currently on the books of Atletico Madrid, Gimenez is not a regular and a move in January for first-team football would surely appeal to him. Getty Manchester United transfer targets Victor Lindelof (Benfica) The most recent player to be linked with the Red Devils, Lindelof is a 22-year-old centre-back currently plying his trade at Benfica. The Swedish international has been in fine form this season and could be tempted by a move to England in January. Getty Manchester United transfer targets Mesut Özil (Arsenal) The German midfielder has emerged as a shock transfer target for the Red Devils as the Arsenal playmaker demands a substantial increase to his current £140,000 per week contract in North London. Getty Manchester United transfer targets Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid) The French forward had a brilliant season in Spain last year and was top scorer and Player of the Tournament as he helped his country to the final of Euro 2016. Atletico Madrid would certainly not let him go on the cheap however. Getty Manchester United transfer targets Yannick Carrasco (Atletico Madrid) The third Atletico Madrid player reported to be on Mourinho’s wish-list, Carrasco is one of Belgium’s new generation of talent and, at just 23 years of age, has a long career ahead of him. The Belgian is an attacking midfielder who has added a ruthlessness in front of goal to his repertoire this season, contributing nine goals in all competitions. Getty Manchester United transfer targets Bruma (Galatasaray) Galatasaray’s fleet-footed winger is rated at around £21.5m and has impressed in the Turkish league this season, receiving five Man of the Match awards in just ten starts so far. Bruma is a fantastic dribbler who would certainly provide competition for places on the left wing. Getty

“He was probably more comfortable playing that way, at that intensity, that rate of ball possession and ball circulation.