TODAY’S ACTION

ANTHONY Martial believes Manchester United’s morale-boosting midweek cup victory can kick-start a season that has been a personal and collective struggle.

Jose Mourinho’s arrival undoubtedly brought an injection of excitement to Old Trafford, but there have been teething problems as United attempt to return to the top of the English game.

The 20-time league champions entered the weekend 11 points off the summit and eight points off a Champions League berth following their worst start to a season in the Premier League era.

United have, though, fared better in the cup competitions and progressed to the EFL Cup semi-finals with a 4-1 defeat of West Ham on Wednesday.

Mourinho’s side clicked on a night when Martial netted a brace and the forward, who has struggled to make an impact this season, hopes it can be built on at Everton this afternoon.

“Firstly, it felt great to score in the week as I’ve not played that regularly of late,” Martial said. “It was good to get those two goals as it’s a real confidence boost. Hopefully we can take that into the game today.

Meanwhile Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has hailed the impeccable timing of striker Divock Origi as his return to the side has provided a much-needed boost.

With forwards Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge out injured, the Belgium international has come in and scored twice in two matches and is set for his first Premier League start since finding the net in April’s Merseyside derby at Anfield. “Timing is really important. “You don’t always have influence on timing but in this case it worked out really well because it was exactly one or two weeks since Div was back in shape, in the race, and has the good shape,” said Klopp.

“That was lucky, I would say, so he was ready for this specific moment coming in.”