MOURINHO HAS REVEALED THE SECRET BEHIND ANTHONY MARTIAL'S IMPROVEMENT THIS SEASON.

Jose Mourinho says Anthony Martial's happiness is the key to the Manchester United striker's return to form.

Martial was publicly criticised by Mourinho last season, when he managed just eight goals, compared to 17 in his debut season following his £36million move from Monaco.

But Martial already has four goals to his name this term and Mourinho said the France striker's form is down to an improved attitude and a smile on his face.

"I see a great improvement in the person, in the mood, in the face, in the body language,” said Mourinho. “If you want just a word, in the 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 it is for 10 minutes like in the last match at home, he tries to enjoy and try to give something in these extra minutes.
"I am very pleased with his attitude overall and then it's easier to play well."

Six of United's next seven games are away, starting with Southampton tomorrow, but Mourinho is not bothered at a prolonged spell on the road at this stage of the season.
Mourinho said: “Its very difficult, but it means it's going to be easier later. If we play now CSKA in Moscow and Benfica in Lisbon, it means later we are going ti play them at Old Trafford.

“If we have consecutive matches at Liverpool and Huddersfield, it means later we are going to play them at Old Trafford, so I'm never too worried about matches at home and away, because the number of matches is going to be the same, unless in the domestic cups you are always in the cold balls and some clubs are always in the hot balls.

“But I'm not worried about it. I know it's difficult to play at home, it's difficult to play away, it's probably more difficult to play away.

But if we can't win, we try to get a point. We go to win every match, but if its impossible to win all the time we try to get points.

“At his moment we have three Premier League wins at Old Trafford, we won the Champions League match, we won a cup match, so if we manage to change so many draws of last season to victories, it would be great.

For example, West Ham and Everton, two points against them at Old Trafford, this season six points.”

Paul Pogba remains sidelined with a hamstring injury but Mourinho said he still has no idea when the midfielder is likely to return.

“No idea, no idea,” said Mourinho. “But again, it's a great opportunity for other players to play and I trust them all, so I'm not going to cry or count the days for Paul to be back.
"When he's back we will welcome him back, but that's it.”