BOOST FOR MOURINHO

MARTIAL IS SET FOR REDS RETURN AGAINST SOUTHAMPTON

JOSE Mourinho has received a muchneeded boost ahead of tomorrow’s Premier League clash with Southampton.

Having dropped four points in the last two games and seeing City go 15 points clear at the top of the Premier League, the Reds boss needs as many positives as he can get.

He will be boosted by the possible return of Anthony Martial, who is back in training.

The Frenchman missed the Boxing Day draw with Burnley with what was reported as a ‘minor knee problem’ sustained against Leicester two days before Christmas. But Martial was pictured taking part in yesterday’s training session at Carrington.

The 22-year-old has scored eight goals so far this season and was a big miss against Burnley with United lacking creativity in the final third.

Matteo Darmian was also missing on Boxing Day with a minor injury but has now returned to training and could provide Mourinho with an extra option if Antonio Valencia’s absence continues.

The Ecuadorian picked up a hamstring injury against West Brom.

It is a timely boost for United, with three other players still in the treatment room.

Eric Bailly is a long-term absentee and ankle surgery is expected to keep him on the sidelines until February or March.

Marouane Fellaini and Michael Carrick are also in the middle of lengthy absences.

Carrick is recovering from a heart problem and has not played since the Carabao Cup game against Burton Albion in September - his only appearance so far this season.

Fellaini, who is out of contract in the summer and free to negotiate with overseas clubs from next month, has been out since the end of November and is not expected back over the festive period.