Friday 22 September 2017 19:22, UK
Jose Mourinho has praised the attitude of Anthony Martial after his excellent start to the season for Manchester United.
Following a promising start to his Old Trafford career under former boss Louis van Gaal, the 21-year-old's fortunes took a downturn last season, which was Mourinho's first in Manchester.
But the Portuguese boss says the France striker, who has scored four goals this season, cuts an altogether happier figure nowadays, whether he starts games or comes on as a substitute.
Ahead of Saturday's Premier League trip to Southampton, Mourinho said: "I see a great improvement in the person, his mood, body language, his happiness. He's a happy guy, who's working well.
"In the last match at home he tries to enjoy it and I'm very pleased with his attitude overall."
Mourinho has also admitted he is not "counting down the days" until Paul Pogba returns from injury, saying his squad is strong enough to cope with the midfielder's absence.
He added: "It is a great opportunity for others to play and I trust them all. So I won't be crying or counting the days for Paul to be back."
With Southampton next on the agenda this weekend, Mourinho admits he has a great deal of respect for the club.
He explained: "Southampton have had good managers: Mauricio Pochettino, Claude Puel, Ronald Koeman and now Mauricio Pellegrino.
"Mauricio has a lot of knowledge, like Rafael Benitez. He's had experience in Argentina, Spain and England.
"Southampton is the kind of club which is stable in the way they play, the quality of the players they have, it's a good club to be a manager of.
"And I see tomorrow as a difficult match."
