Martial explains why the Man Utd number nine shirt is so special to him

Anthony Martial has spoken of his delight to have the No.9 shirt back in his possession at Manchester United.

The French forward enjoyed an excellent debut season at Old Trafford with the squad number, but was forced to give it up following the arrival of Zlatan Ibrahimovic a year later.

Martial's confidence dropped following the arrival of the Swede as he was forced to play much of his football from out wide. The arrival of Romelu Lukaku two years ago meant Martial was again forced to be without his favourite squad number.

Martial has begun the new season with two goals in two games following the number switch, and he has put it down to a new confidence.

“Ever since I was a kid, I've played with number nine on my back," Martial told TV2. "It's my favourite number. Now I get to play in my position. It is in the striker role that I want to show that I am the best. At the moment things are going pretty well.

“When you play as a striker, your task is to score as many goals as possible. The striker role does mean a little extra pressure, but that's not something I think about at all. Whatever personal goals I set; I'd rather keep it to myself.

“Marcus Rashford and I work well together. Most of our qualities are same. We know each other well, both on and off the field. We have been playing together for several years now, it is going very well. So now we just have to keep working in the training field and perfecting the collaboration.”