Boss discusses Martial injury at Watford

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho does not yet know the severity of Anthony Martial’s injury after the Frenchman was forced off in the first half of Sunday’s 3-1 defeat at Watford.

Martial suffered a nasty-looking clash of heads with Daryl Janmaat on 26 minutes and required medical attention straight away. Thankfully, he played on but went to ground once again on 34 minutes, when he appeared to hurt his ankle or knee following a physical challenge with two yellow-shirted opponents [Miguel Britos and Janmaat] in the build-up to Watford’s opening goal. That led to his substitution for ex-Hornet Ashley Young.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Mourinho was asked to provide an update on Martial and admitted he was yet to speak to the player. The boss also reiterated his stance that United should have been awarded a free-kick for what he perceived to be a foul on the France international.

“I had to be on the game at that time and not worrying with Anthony,” Mourinho told reporters at Vicarage Road. “I have not had time to see about the situation. It wasn't an action to go to hospital. It was an action for a free-kick against Watford and obviously not a goal.”

Pressed further on the matter at the end of the press conference, the manager continued: “I don't know, I promise I don't know. You are asking about things I cannot tell you.

“I didn't know why he came off, whether he was injured in his knee, his ankle or his head. I don't know. I just know, in that moment, he is not in a condition to carry on. I don't know why. I just know I had to change. I don't know yet what happened.”

Martial could now be a doubt for United's next fixture on Wednesday, which is the League Cup clash against Northampton Town at Sixfields Stadium.