17/08/2017 08:30, Report by Mark Froggatt

Anthony Martial is unwilling to reveal his appearances and goals targets this season, but the Manchester United forward is open about his ambition to win the Premier League title.

The Reds began the 2017/18 campaign with a superb 4-0 win over West Ham United at Old Trafford on Sunday, which has placed Jose Mourinho’s at the top of the table following the opening weekend.

Martial scored one of three second-half goals against the Hammers with an excellent finish, and then set up another for Paul Pogba, capping his terrific 11-minute cameo appearance as a substitute.

Speaking exclusively to Inside United magazine on the eve of the season, the Frenchman discussed his and the club’s aims for the term ahead. “As a squad, we haven’t really talked about specific aims for the season too much so far, but the goal is to win as many titles as possible,” said Martial.

“That is what we tried to do last year and it's what we are going to try to do this year. Personally, my main goal is to win titles and medals, of course. I also want to play the most. I have always wanted to play since I was young and so now I've got to do my best to win the title. I do set myself targets for appearances and goals but I keep that to myself.”

Winning the Premier League title is always a challenge and this season will be no different, with a handful of clubs all expected to fight for the championship after spending heavily in the summer transfer window. But Martial feels that will only add to the excitement and entertainment.

“Everybody in the league has been reinforcing, buying players, so it is going to be ever better and much more exciting for everyone – both for us and for those watching the Premier League,” he told us. 

“We also have the Champions League to look forward to again and I think that is a competition that every team wants to win. It is a difficult competition and you have to work hard from the beginning to the end. We will see how it goes. Anything is possible.

“But the main aim is the Premier League title. That is what we want. When you play football you're playing to win, not to be second or third. So we're going to do everything we can to achieve this.”

ANALYSIS

ManUtd.com's Mark Froggatt...

"Now in his third season with United, Martial is growing in confidence and the 21-year-old hopes to enjoy a more consistent campaign in 2017/18. Anthony was impressively sharp throughout the pre-season tour and his well-taken goal against West Ham bodes well for the future, considering he only notched eight times in 42 appearances last term. He has stiff competition for a place in Mourinho's starting XI, of course, but that isn't a bad thing - such a challenge can extract the best out of a player and, judging by our conversation in Los Angeles last month, he is ready to work hard. Whether he starts or steps off the bench, such pace and unpredictability can be a devastating weapon for the Reds. Watch this space with Martial."