You can just call Manchester United forward Anthony Martial Pharrell Williams, because his actions and body language evoke the lyrics of the musician’s signature song- “cuz I’m happy! clap along, if you feel like a room without a roof.”
United Manager Jose Mourinho met the media a few minutes ago (video available at this link), and one of the questions he received pertained to Anthony Martial, who is coming off a Man of the Match performance versus Burton Albion in the League Cup on Wednesday night.
Martial is currently battling Marcus Rashford for playing time, but he seems to be thriving in the position battle, as he’s scored four goals already across all competitions. Martial endured a sophomore slump at United last season, and sometimes found himself in Mourinho’s dog house.
Mourinho called out Martial and his perceived will power on occasion last season, but the Portugese maintains that the 2015 summer transfer window deadline day addition has made a major transformation in his mentality, and in just a few months.
“Happiness,” as Mourinho put it.
“I see a great improvement in the person, in the mood, in the face, in the body language – if you want just a word, in the happiness,” Mourinho said of Anthony Martial.
“He’s a happy guy, he’s working extremely well. He starts matches, he tries to do well. He goes from the bench, even it is for 10 minutes like in the last match at home, he tries to enjoy and try to give something in these extra minutes.”
“I am very pleased with his attitude overall and then it’s easier to play well.”
Mourinho sees an upbeat Anthony Martial and that is fantastic news for United and their attack. A happy Anthony Martial is a very productive Anthony Martial.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, which is partnered with News Now and Minute Media. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, currently contributes regularly to WGN CLTV and Chicago Now.
Follow him on Twitter, Instagram, Sound Cloud, LinkedIn and YouTube.