Jose Mourinho claims he is spoilt for choice with his current attacking options at Manchester United .
Boss Mourinho says none of his forward players deserves to be left out of Saturday’s side to face Southampton, after United’s explosive start to the new season.
Anthony Martial pushed his claim for a regular starting place with a Man Of The Match display in Wednesday's 4-1 Carabao Cup win over Championship visitors Burton.
The Frenchman is now set for only his second Premier League start this term, with Mourinho admitting the form of his frontmen – Marcus Rashford scored twice against Burton with £75m summer buy Romelu Lukaku rested – is giving him a selection headache.
“It’s hard for Anthony — but it’s hard for many others,” he said. “So many players are in good moments, playing well, so it’s hard for all of them.
“When I see the match last Wednesday, the attacking players - Martial, Rashford, Mata, Lingard - which one deserves to be on the bench against Southampton? No-one. Nobody deserves to be on the bench.
"But they are four, plus Lukaku and Mkhitaryan is six. I cannot play with the six.”
Martial scored 17 goals in his first United season following his £36million move from Monaco, but regressed last term, managing to net just eight.
Issues in his private life seemed to affect his form, and Mourinho claims the striker’s performance is down to a better attitude and happier outlook.
“I see a great improvement in the person, in the mood, in the face, in the body language,” said the manager. “If you want just a word — in the happiness.
“He’s a happy guy, he’s working extremely well.
“[If] He starts matches, he tries to do well. [If] He goes from the bench, even if it is for 10 minutes like in the last match at home, he tries to enjoy and tries to give something in these extra minutes.
“I’m very pleased with his attitude overall and then it’s easier to play well. He’s improving a lot. Not just on his will, his desire to do it, but being effective on that.”
Six of United’s next seven games are away, starting at St Mary's, but Mourinho is not bothered at a prolonged spell on the road at this stage of the season.
“It’s very difficult, but it means it’s going to be easier later,” he said.
“If we play now CSKA in Moscow and Benfica in Lisbon [in Champions League group games], it means later we’re going to play them at Old Trafford.
“If we have consecutive matches at Liverpool and Huddersfield, it means later we’re going to play them at Old Trafford. So I’m never too worried about matches at home and away, because the number of matches is going to be the same.”
Star midfielder Paul Pogba remains sidelined with a hamstring injury, and Mourinho is non-committal about his return.
“No idea,” he said, of when the Frenchman will be fit again.
“But it’s a great opportunity for other players to play and I trust them all, so I’m not going to cry or count the days for Paul to be back.”