Jose Mourinho gives Anthony Martial some off-pitch advice following Manchester United star’s latest goal

Jose Mourinho has advised Anthony Martial to steer clear of any entourage ‘that supports his weaknesses’.

The Frenchman put in a man of the match display against Everton at Old Trafford, winning a penalty in the first half before scoring with a fine finish in the second.

Martial should have had bagged a brace, but the 22-year-old fluffed his lines when he was through on goal in the last minutes of the game.

Despite being visibly dejected by his miss at full-time, the forward will no doubt be buoyed by his recent up-turn in form. Martial has scored four goals in his past four games.

One man who is especially pleased with Martial is United boss Mourinho.

“He has the same natural talents he had one or two years ago but he is improving the way he thinks of football and improving his role in the team,” he said at full-time. “I am happy with boys who are improving.

“It is difficult periods for them and for me because I want more from them but I am really happy with Anthony.

“Everton is not on paper a top-four side, but they are a team capable of coming here to fight for a result the way they did. Every match is difficult.”

Mourinho then had some off-pitch advice for Martial, regarding who he spends time with away from games.

“In terms of my approach to my young players, that’s the way I am,” Mourinho added.

“In the end, you have the rewards of that hard work if they don’t give up and they don’t have an entourage who supports their weaknesses.

“Luke Shaw was strong and these people were good to him and now Anthony is becoming a better player.”