Manchester United news: Anthony Martial denies 'tense' Jose Mourinho relationship and vows to help boss

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Anthony Martial has broken his silence on his relationship with Jose Mourinho.

The Manchester United winger struck twice in Saturday’s dramatic 2-2 draw with Chelsea – and then dismissed talk of a rift with his manager.

Martial told the club he wanted to leave in the summer, before going AWOL following the birth of his child. But the 22-year-old insists he has no issue with Mourinho – and is determined to help the under-fire Portuguese turn United’s season around.

Asked if relations had thawed following a run of three goals in his last two games, Martial said: "Come on - things were not tense between us to begin with!

“We have a player-coach relationship and I hope that we will continue like that and bring Manchester United as much as possible."

"For sure, we (United) were not doing well. However, we worked hard and this sort of match enabled us to show that we are a good team.

“We want to continue with another good game against Juventus on Tuesday."

Mourinho was ready to wash his hands of Martial after the Frenchman’s agent informed United of his intention to leave at the end of last season.

United’s manager has also had reservations about the former Monaco player’s attitude.

He is still to sign an extension to his contract, which expires at the end of the season, but there is hope he will tie his long-term future to Old Trafford – particularly after forcing his way back into his manager’s plans in recent weeks.

At the double: Anthony Martial
Getty Images

Martial struck the crucial equaliser in United’s 3-2 comeback win against Newcastle earlier this month – and his two goals on Saturday looked like securing a famous win against Chelsea after Antonio Rudiger had put the home side ahead.

Substitute Ross Barkley denied Mourinho victory against his former club with an injury time strike.

Martial added: “For sure, it has done me the world of good (to score), of course. However, ultimately, I am disappointed.

“We deserved to win but we shipped the goal in the last minute and it cost us."

Meanwhile Graeme Souness has challenged Martial to realise his potential at United.

The Sky Sports pundit said: “As a manager, you're looking at players in training - he shows in matches as though he's not that bothered. Every day in training is every match.

"You've got to keep impressing the manager, at 22 you're looking to improve all the time, and it'd be a tragedy for that boy if he doesn't achieve what God has given him, and he could reach the very top."

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