MAN OF THE MOMENT
Jose: It’s unfair to leave Martial on the bench... but it’s hard to leave ANYONE out as they are all so good
JOSE MOURINHO said he is spoilt for choice with his current attacking options at Manchester United.
The Reds boss said none of his forwards deserve to be left out of today’s side at Southampton, after United’s explosive start to the new season.
Anthony Martial pushed his claim for a regular starting place with a man-of-the match display in United’s 4-1 Carabao Cup win over Burton in midweek.
The France star is set for only his second Premier League start this term with Mourinho admitting that his frontmen’s deadly form – Marcus Rashford scored twice in midweek – is giving him a selection headache.
Mourinho said: “It’s hard for Anthony but it’s hard for many others. So many players are in good moments, so it’s hard for all of them.
“When I saw the match on Wednesday, the attacking players – Martial, Rashford, Mata, Lingard – which one deserves to be on the bench against Southampton? No one.
“Nobody deserves to be on the bench. But they are four, plus Lukaku and Mkhitaryan is six. I cannot play all six.”
Martial scored 17 goals in his debut season at United following his £36million move from Monaco, but regressed last term, the 21-year-old managing just eight goals.
Issues in his private life seemed to affect Martial’s form, with Mourinho claiming the striker’s improved performance level is down to an improved attitude and a happier outlook. “I see a great improvement in the person, the mood, the face, in the body language,” added Mourinho (left). “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 is for 10 minutes like in the last match at home, he tries to enjoy it and tries to give something in these extra minutes. “I’m very pleased with his attitude and then it’s easier to play well. He’s improving a lot. Not just on his will, his desire to do it, but being effective on that.”
Six of United’s next seven games are away, but Mourinho is not bothered about a prolonged spell on the road at this stage of the season.
“It’s very difficult, but it means it’s going to be easier later,” said Mourinho. “If we play now CSKA in Moscow and Benfica in Lisbon, it means later we’re playing them at Old Trafford.
“If we have consecutive matches at Liverpool and Huddersfield, it means later we’re going to play them at home. So I’m never too worried about matches at home and away, because the number of matches is going to be the same.”
Paul Pogba remains out with a hamstring injury, with Mourinho noncommittal on his return.
“No idea,” he said. “But it’s a chance for other players to play and I trust them all, so I’m not going to cry or count days for Paul to be back.”