Jose Mourinho slams Manchester United players’ entourages as he praises Anthony Martial for getting back to his best
French forward has four goals in four games and scored a brilliant goal in the win against Everton
JOSE MOURINHO has hit out at the entourages of Manchester United stars as he praised Anthony Martial for getting back to his best.
The Portuguese boss was asked about how the Frenchman - who has four goals in his last four games - has improved his form.
Martial, 22, had been linked with a move away from Old Trafford last January and in the summer.
The forward, who was named man of the match after the 2-1 win against Everton, has previously fallen out with Mourinho over a lack of game time and the manager's hard-line approach.
But Mourinho has hinted that Martial, like Luke Shaw, is now back to his best as he's knuckled down - rather than listen to entourages that "supports their weaknesses".
He said: "He has the same natural talents he had one or two years ago but he is improving the way he thinks of football and improving his role in the team.
"I am happy with boys who are improving.
"It is difficult periods for them and for me because I want more from them but I am really happy with Anthony.
"Everton is not on paper a top-four side, but they are a team capable of coming here to fight for a result the way they did. Every match is difficult.
"In terms of my approach to my young players, that’s the way I am.
"In the end, you have the rewards of that hard work if they don’t give up and they don’t have an entourage who supports their weaknesses.
"Luke Shaw was strong and these people were good to him and now Anthony is becoming a better player."
Mourinho also added that he deserved a bit of praise for Martial's return to form.
"When the players are playing bad it's my fault, when the players play well it's my responsibility," he added.