United manager showers praise on in-form Martial

LONDON: Jose Mourinho praised French winger Anthony Martial for his improved attitude and on-field performances in Manchester United’s strong start to the season.

The 21-year-old struggled to convince Mourinho during his first season in charge at Old Trafford but the French international has convincingly played his way back into the manager’s plans this term.

The Frenchman has scored four goals already – half of the total he claimed over the whole of last season – including a goal and man-ofthe-match performance in the midweek English League Cup victory over Championship side Burton Albion.

And Mourinho believes a major reason for the improvement has been Martial’s new attitude and approach to life at Old Trafford.

“I see a great improvement in the person, in the mood, in the face, in the body language,” he said at United’s Carrington training base.

“If you just want one word – ‘happiness’. He’s a happy guy, he’s working extremely well.

“He starts matches, he tries to do well.

“He goes from the bench, even if it’s only for 10 minutes like in the last match at home, he tries to enjoy it and give something in his extra minutes,” added Mourinho.

“I’m very pleased with his attitude overall. Then it’s just easier to play well.” — AFP