Manchester United striker Anthony Martial has said he was determined to prove former manager Jose Mourinho wrong during the second season of his Old Trafford reign.
Speaking with RMC Sport, in an extract taken from an interview that will air as part of a film about the Portuguese coach, the France international said Mourinho's methods are designed to provoke a reaction from his players.
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"It is true that I prefer to be told to my face," Martial said. "There is no need for it to be said in front of everybody. Certainly, after that, you want to prove him wrong.
"He did not play me during the first matches of the season. Each time I came on, I scored, and he eventually said to me [smiling]: 'you see, now you understand what I am after.'
"It can sting, but you just want to show him that you should be on the pitch."
Martial started just three of the opening 11 Premier League games during the 2017-18 campaign -- Mourinho's second season as United boss. He finished the term with nine goals in 30 league appearances.
Mourinho is now in charge of United's Champions League qualification rivals Tottenham Hotspur after he replaced Mauricio Pochettino in November.