Mourinho says Man Utd star’s moods have improved

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has revealed Anthony Martial’s “moods” have improved this season.

Martial made 24 starts last season under Mourinho, scoring eight times, but he often cut a frustrated figure and was left out of the big games, including the Europa League Cup final.

This season the 21-year-old has again been in and out of the side, with three starts and seven appearances, but he has scored four times and grabbed two assists and Mourinho believes he is in a happier fram of mind.

“I see a great improvement in the person, in the moods, in the face and body language. If we want a word: happiness. He is a happy guy,” said Mourinho.

“He is working extremely well, he starts matches and tries to do well. He goes from the bench even if for ten minutes like in the last match at home, he tries to enjoy and to give something in the extra minutes.

“I am very pleased with his attitude overall, and then it is easier to play well.”

Mourinho’s men face Southampton at St Mary’s on Saturday afternoon before travelling to CSKA Moscow in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

“It is very difficult but it means it will be easier later,” added Mourinho. “If we play now CSKA in Moscow and Benfica in Lisbon then later we will play at Old Trafford.

“If we have consecutive matches away, it means later we will play them at Old Trafford so I am never too worried. The number of matches in the league is going to be the same.

“If we cannot win we try to get points and then try to compensate with good form at home.”

United will be without Paul Pogba on the south coast and Mourinho says he is unaware how long the midfielder will be missing for with a hamstring.

“No idea. But again, it’s a great opportunity for other players to play and I trust them all so I am not going to cry and count the days for Paul to be back,” added Mourinho.