Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho says Anthony Martial and Henrikh Mkhitaryan 'understand' him better than last season

  • Henrikh Mkhitaryan endured a difficult debut campaign under Jose Mourinho
  • He has since established himself as an important player for Manchester United 
  • Mourinho was critical of Anthony Martial's work ethic last season at Old Trafford
  • United have drawn CSKA Moscow, Benfica and Basle in the Champions League

Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Anthony Martial now 'understand' Jose Mourinho as the pair look to banish their troubles of last season.

The Manchester United manager, who has seen Martial score twice already, claimed his relationship with both has improved.

The pair will figure at some point during Saturday's Premier League clash against Leicester City, and Mourinho believes they are more in tune with what he demands.

Jose Mourinho says his relationship with Henrikh Mkhitaryan has improved since last season

Jose Mourinho says his relationship with Henrikh Mkhitaryan has improved since last season

'Henrikh understands me. And, to be honest, I understand him,' Mourinho said. 'At the beginning of the season if he understands me better he would've started better.


'But at the same time if I'd have understood him better he would've started faster than he did. We're learning. He knows me well. The second half of the season was good for him.'

Mkhitaryan's performances this month having been a highlight for United but the Armenian was heavily criticised by Mourinho during his first season at Old Trafford.

Mkhitaryan forced his way back into Mourinho's plans and scored in the Europa League final

Mkhitaryan forced his way back into Mourinho's plans and scored in the Europa League final

Anthony Martial struggled to make an impression under Mourinho last season at United

Anthony Martial struggled to make an impression under Mourinho last season at United

Martial struggled to make an impression as well, with Mourinho questioning his work ethic amid talk of a temporary move elsewhere last January.

The 21-year-old, who endured upheaval in his personal life last year, has been challenged to channel his talent.

'It's better,' Mourinho added. 'I think when you have talent you cannot waste it. If you're blessed then you have to fulfil and explore that talent.

'You cannot be happy with glimpses. I'm not going to change, I want more and more from him. He understands me better and the personal relation is good.

It's not fundamental but it's an added good thing to have a good relation. Anthony, I hope he's going to be better than last season.' 

Mourinho told Martial to channel his talent better and said he wants 'more and more' from him

Mourinho told Martial to channel his talent better and said he wants 'more and more' from him

Martial celebrates scoring off the bench in United's 4-0 win over Swansea on Sunday

Martial celebrates scoring off the bench in United's 4-0 win over Swansea on Sunday