Ibrahimovic backs Martial to come good at Manchester United

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has tipped his cap to Anthony Martial, after the youngster’s professionalism paid off with another chance to impress Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho.

Martial had been struggling to break into Mourinho’s first-choice side in recent weeks, but was rewarded for his hard work in training by the Portuguese on Saturday.

The 21-year-old French international responded by setting up Juan Mata for the game’s opening goal, before sealing the 2-0 win himself in the second half.

And veteran striker Ibrahimovic believes Martial’s positivity and energy will pull him through the toughest period of his Old Trafford career so far.

“When he plays, he is playing well,” he said. “He isn’t a guy that speaks a lot; he is quiet and very professional.

“He always tries to do his best, trains hard and that is paying off, just like in the match [against Watford].

“He was creating good chances. I felt he tired in the second half because he was running a lot and he hasn’t played every game, but he played well. He scored a nice goal and it’s good for him and his confidence and the team.

“I think it depends on every individual and what kind of person they are and their approach, how open he is. It is different for every person.

“He is not going around with his head down. He is training hard, he gives a lot of energy and he wants to play, which is normal.”