Martial warning from Mourinho

JOSE Mourinho says Anthony Martial needs to step up and start taking his message on board if the forward is to achieve his potential at Manchester United.

A wonderful start to life at Old Trafford has been followed by a challenging second season, with the 21-year-old struggling to recapture his form and win over Louis van Gaal's successor.

Mourinho has publicly questioned Martial's contribution and on occasions left him out of the United squad entirely, including Sunday's impressive 2-0 win against Premier League leaders Chelsea.

OMISSION

The United manager confirmed his omission was down to dissatisfaction rather than injury, calling on Martial to take a leaf out of 19-year-old team-mate Marcus Rashford's book.

"He (Rashford) was always a player that I play, always a player that I support because he was always coming in my direction, in the direction of what I want from a player, what I want as a Manchester United player, so it is about that," the United boss said ahead of tonight's Europa League quarter-final second leg with Anderlecht at Old Trafford.

"It is about getting to know each other better and better and better, and go in the direction of the things that we like.

"So do I think Anthony is a player with great potential? Yes, I think.

"Do I think he can play successfully for me? Yes, I think. But he needs to give me things that I like very much."

Martial and Henrikh Mkhitaryan are in the squad for the return leg against Anderlecht, as is captain Wayne Rooney.

The 31-year-old has not played since April 1 due to ankle pain but is set to return to the bench after coming through yesterday's session.