Anthony Martial 'hurt' after losing Manchester United No. 9 to Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Manchester United winger Anthony Martial was "hurt" to lose his shirt number to fellow teammate, Zlatan Ibrahimovic after the Swede joined Manchester United this summer, said Martial's agent on Friday.

Martial was handed the No. 9 jersey by former United manager Luis van Gal upon his arrival from Monaco in 2015 but was forced to give up the number following Ibrahimovic's arrival at Old Trafford in June.

"I am not going to lie about it, it hurt him when Manchester United took the No. 9 jersey off him. He was surprised by it and he was disappointed for a few days," Philippe Lamboley said to RMC.

"But he is a professional. He knew that he had to fight back.

"Personally, I did not accept the decision, which I thought was disrespectful and misplaced. I let the United hierarchy know how I felt. You do not do things like that. We have turned the page, but not forgotten about it."

Martial now wearing the No.11 shirt has struggled to find his best form this season under Jose Mourinho leading to speculation he is unhappy under the new manager, which Lamboley quickly denied insisting there is no issue between Martial and Mourinho.

Anthony Martial now wears the No. 11 shirt at Manchester United

"It is not true that Anthony has a bad relationship with Mourinho," Lamboley said.

"They have a professional relationship. I'm sure Mourinho will get the best out of him, just like Louis van Gaal did before him.

"Anthony is happy at United. We are trying to get out of a bad spell, he is no longer smiling all the time. People who know him know that he likes to smile.

"He is very committed to United and his teammates. He wants just one thing and that is to enjoy a great season with United and win titles. Just let him do his job, let a 20-year-old enjoy himself. What he has already achieved is incredible. And I can promise you that the best is yet to come."

 Source: ESPNFC