Memphis Depay has asked to leave Man United, says Mourinho

When United hit the post a second time, in the 38th, it was less about the build-up and more about one sensational strike of the ball from Martial, whose 30-yard (meter) effort came back off the post with a thud.

Wrapping up the year on New Year’s eve with matchweek 19, the Red Devils will welcome ‎Aitor Karanka’s relegation-threatened Middlesbrough to Old Trafford.

Even though Schneiderlin has been told he can leave in January, Mourinho says United have not yet received any bids they are willing to accept. I think Mkhitaryan is the long-term replacement for Wayne Rooney.

Martial was United’s top scorer last season following his £36million move from Monaco, and was voted the best young player in Europe a year ago.

“Anthony has to listen to me, and not listen to his agent”. They gave me the last push to become a manager.

“With Martial, I every day I read in the newspaper, ‘Martial goes to Sevilla, Martial goes on loan, Martial is not happy.’ Martial has to listen to me”.

United thought that they had taken the lead in the 38th minute when Zlatan Ibrahimovic beat Valdes in a 50/50 race to Martial’s cross, but referee Jon Moss questionably decided that the Swede’s kung-fu finish constituted unsafe play due to a high boot.

United, though, were too dominant with too much attacking prowess for the home support to lose faith.

Martial did well under pressure to equalise. We create chances which the keeper saved. “Whether we get them done or not remains to be seen”.

“We have to be”, he said bullishly.

And the home crowd were in raptures again a minute later when Mata’s cross was headed into the top corner of the net by Pogba as United clinched victory in spectacular fashion.

On the sidelines Mourinho recreated the finish in rather less supple fashion as he disputed the decision with the fourth official and his frustration felt apt.

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is in optimistic mood as he prepares to face an old friend in Middlesbrough handler Aitor Karanka, despite facing the prospect of being without his captain. Before the game, the pair had walked out of the tunnel together, smiling. But with Ibrahimoivc providing an effective pivot; Anthony Martial at his most impressive for months; Henrikh Mkhitaryan probing successfully; and Juan Mata only just dispatched from the bench, whoever might have been sacrificed from that quartet would have reason to feel aggrieved. I don’t think would kill me if we lost 2-0 when we played 2 against 2 in the back. The performance is a great tribute.