Manchester United attacker Anthony Martial has slammed his side for starting the 6-3 defeat against Manchester City ‘really badly’.

The Red Devils were outclassed at the Etihad Stadium in the first half as Erling Haaland and Phil Foden both netted braces before halftime to put them in a comfortable 4-0 lead.

Summer signing Antony gave United a goal back before both Foden and Haaland completed their hat tricks with 17 minutes left on the clock.

This flurry of goals led to the home supporters chanting ‘we want ten’ as they wanted to further humiliate their local rivals.

Martial, however, fired in two late consolation goals for United to restore some dignity before full time.

After the game, the 26-year-old admitted that the poor start was made worse due to City’s efficiency in front of goal.

He told Canal+: ‘We started the game really badly and then they were really efficient with the chances they had.

‘It’s really complicated but it’s like that and we are going to do everything to be ready for the next match.

“We are really frustrated. That’s not what we wanted to do but this result is the one and we are going to give everything to come back for the next game.’

Martial has struggled for consistent game time this season due to hamstring and Achilles injuries, but has looked like his old self when he has been on the pitch.

He is now happy to be back in the team ahead of the Red Devils’ Europa League clash with Cypriot side Omonia Nicosia and the Premier League fixture against Everton at Goodison Park.

He added: ‘For sure, I would have preferred not to score and win this game, but it’s always good to come back on the grass and score.’