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United 'out of order' for Martial shirt change

Cape Town - Anthony Martial’s agent claims Manchester United were “out of order” in handing the striker’s number nine shirt to Zlatan Ibrahimovic during the summer.

Martial was one of the few bright spots for United last season after his big-money move from Monaco, yet the France international lost his squad number to Ibrahimovic and was handed the 11 jersey.

His agent, Philippe Lamboley, believes that was disrespectful and admits that Martial was affected by the decision.

"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 straight away.

"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."

But despite the shirt debacle, losing his place in the France squad and a struggle to replicate his form from last season, Lamboley insists Martial has no desire to leave Old Trafford.

"He’s very happy there," he added.

"He only has one desire, and that’s to have a great season and win titles with United. Let him work, let this young 20-year-old be happy and take pleasure in his work.

"What he’s achieved up until now is incredible. He’s only started his career, and I can promise you the best is yet to come."

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