MANCHESTER UNITED boss Jose Mourinho has decided to adopt a softer approach with Anthony Martial, it has been claimed.
Manchester United boss Mourinho has found Martial a tough nut to crack during their two years together at Old Trafford.
The France international flourished under Louis van Gaal but has spent the last two years battling for consistency.
Recently, however, the Manchester United star has come of age. Martial has helped lift some of the pressure on Mourinho by scoring six goals from nine Premier League outings.
And the Manchester Evening News say Jose Mourinho has adopted a more cautious approach with his star performer in recent times.
Back in the summer, the United boss was happy for Martial to leave.
Mourinho wanted one of Ivan Perisic, Willian or Gareth Bale and, with Martial’s agent stirring the pot, was willing to sanction a transfer.
However, Martial ended up staying.
Despite interest from Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Juventus, Martial opted to stay put.
And the MEN say that Mourinho’s decision to be more interactive with the 22-year-old has sparked his upturn in form.
Supporters have been rooting for Martial to be given a chance this season and Mourinho's changed patience with the Frenchman will no doubt go down well with fans.
It is claimed that, against Manchester City, Mourinho put that plan into practice.
Man Utd news: Jose Mourinho has found Anthony Martial a tough code to crack (Image: GETTY)
City breezed past United at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, winning 3-1 as David Silva, Sergio Aguero and Ilkay Gundogan found the net.
At one point, Martial passed the ball right out of play.
However, rather than criticise the France international, Mourinho shouted ‘It’s OK!’.
Martial is not the only player to have improved since Mourinho’s decision to change tact.
Paul Pogba has stepped up for United this season, producing memorable performances against Newcastle and Bournemouth.
And Luke Shaw has also cut a rejuvenated figure.
Man Utd news: Jose Mourinho's softer side has seen Anthony Martial improve (Image: GETTY)
Meanwhile, Mourinho lauded Martial before United’s derby defeat to City at the weekend.
“I never gave up,“ he said.
”I never gave up my feelings that this was the right way for him, even if he had to go through difficult moments.
“I knew that for him to become a really top player, he needed to overcome some barriers that I put on the road for him. It is up to his talent, because he has phenomenal talent.
“It was just a question of him understanding what a top player is because there is a big difference between a top talent and a top player.”
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