Anthony Martial Forward’s agent angry over jersey No 9 switch at United

The 20-year-old and is commercial team had started to work on his brand with the No 9 as the major factor.

Agent of Manchester United forward Anthony Martial has expressed his displeasure over his client losing his No 9 jersey to Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Martial was given the No.9 jersey when he signed for Manchester United at the beginning of the 2015/2016 season under former coach Louis van Gaal.

The 20-year-old and is commercial team had started to work on his brand with the No 9 as the major factor.

The forward however lost his No 9 shirt to Ibrahimovic who joined last summer under new manager Jose Mourinho.

Martial’s agent Philippe Lamboley described the switch as ‘disrespectful’ and also blamed his poor form this season to the situation.

“The loss of the No 9 shirt has been mentioned to justify his start to the season,” Lamboley told RMC Sport of France.

“I am not going to lie to you. Yes, this has affected him, yes this surprised him, yes it disappointed him... for a few days. But he is a professional. He then got back into the swing of things.

“Personally, I have not accepted this decision that I deemed uncalled for and disrespectful towards my player. This feeling, I have directed this towards Manchester United's directors. We turn the page and move on but it's hard to digest it.”

Despite the situation, the agent dispelled any report of problems between Martial and Mourinho revealing that his client is happy at Manchester 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 said.

“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.”

United make a trip to Wales where they will face Swansea on Sunday, November 6.