Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho tells Anthony Martial to raise his game after a recent dip in form

Frenchman has struggled in front of goal for Red Devils despite starting in both games so far in Premier League

Posted Thursday, August 25, 2016 by Thesun.co.uk

JOSE MOURINHO has told Anthony Martial to raise his game.

Mourinho has held heart-to-heart talks with the Manchester United striker over his dip in form.

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho tells Anthony Martial to raise his game after a recent dip in form
Jose Mourinho has warned Anthony Martial he must raise his game after lacklustre start

The United chief fears that his chaotic personal life is starting to affect his performances on the field.

Martial, 20, recently split from childhood sweetheart Samantha and has been subjected to a series of public attacks from his ex-girlfriend.

A United source said: "Standards have been raised under Jose and he wants his players to be focused on United.

"Martial is going through a tough time off the pitch, but it's down to him to sort it out. The manager's made him well aware of that."

Last summer's £36m signing from Monaco has been substituted in United's opening three fixtures.

Although Mourinho is off to a 100 per cent winning start, Martial has been subdued in his new role out on the left.

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho tells Anthony Martial to raise his game after a recent dip in form
Jose Mourinho shakes hands with Anthony Martial after Community Shield win

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho tells Anthony Martial to raise his game after a recent dip in form
Anthony Martial is replaced by Morgan Schneiderlin late on against Bournemouth

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho tells Anthony Martial to raise his game after a recent dip in form
Anthony Martial was Manchester United's star man in first season at Old Trafford

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho tells Anthony Martial to raise his game after a recent dip in form
Anthony Martial has failed to recapture last season's form at Manchester United

He was signed by Louis Van Gaal as a striker, but Mourinho has put him out on the left to accommodate Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Martial played on the wing at times under Van Gaal, but still believes his best position is through the middle.

Mourinho is determined to get the best out of him and has spoken to him about some of his troubling issues off the field.

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho tells Anthony Martial to raise his game after a recent dip in form
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has started the season in red-hot form for Manchester United

Mourinho is determined to get the best out of the United forward and wants things settled off the field so that he can concentrate on his career.

Martial was an instant hit at Old Trafford last season, but he is struggling for form and confidence.

Although he prefers to play through the middle, he has accepted he has no choice but to play out wide after Ibrahimovic's stunning start to life at Old Trafford.