Fenerbahce’s Turkish defender Sener Ozbayrakli (R) fouls Manchester United’s French striker Anthony Martial (C) on October 20, 2016
MANCHESTER, United Kingodm, Nov 5- Anthony Martial’s agent has accused Manchester United of disrespecting the France striker by handing the No 9 shirt to summer signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Martial was given the No 9 shirt following his £36m move from Monaco in September 2015, but was forced to change to No 11 in the summer after the arrival of Ibrahimovic at Old Trafford.
The 20-year-old, who scored 17 times during his debut campaign in England, has struggled for form under Jose Mourinho this season and his agent, Philippe Lamboley, admits the shirt change has affected his client.
“I’m not going to lie to you. Yes, it got to him. Yes, it surprised him. Yes, he was disappointed… for two days,” Lamboley told RMC Sport.
“But he’s professional. He knew how to get back into things straightaway. Personally, I find that decision out of order and disrespectful to my player. I told Manchester United’s board that. You just don’t do it.”So we accepted it, we turned the page, but we didn’t rip it up.”
Martial has scored just two goals in 12 appearances this season, but Lamboley rejected any suggestion of a rift between Martial and Jose Mourinho, insisting his client is happy at United.
“They have a very professional relationship. I am sure that Jose Mourinho will know how to bring the best out of Anthony like Louis van Gaal did before him.”
“He is very happy at United. He is not smiling all the time but that’s part of his personality. People who know him well know that he is a smiling, open and warm guy. He is very attached to the fans who have welcomed him so nicely.”
“He has only one ambition: to have a great season and win titles with United. What he has accomplished already is amazing, he is only starting his career. And I promise you the best is to come.”
-By Sky Sports–
