When Alexis Sanchez signed from Arsenal, Martial struggled even more.
There was a spell earlier in the season where he was finding the net with regularity. At last, Mourinho thought he had got through to him.
But then the 56-year-old spotted the danger signs. A poor work rate, a determination to score goals himself rather than creating for the team.
Back in the summer, Mourinho wanted to bin him off for Chelsea’s Willian.
That decision was, perhaps, one that wouldn’t have worked out. Willian is a good player but, over at Stamford Bridge, his best days appear to be behind him.
Jose Mourinho was right about a Man Utd star giving Ole Gunnar Solskjaer a problem (Image: GETTY)
Jose Mourinho knew Man Utd star Anthony Martial was infuriating (Image: GETTY)
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And, at United, Martial’s best days appear to be too.
That, of course, is not to say the 23-year-old will not come good. The forward has talent and, with a bit of graft, he can realise his potential.
But since securing himself a rather nice new contract in January, where he put pen to paper on a deal that now sees him pocket £250,000-a-week, he has faded into obscurity.
Martial failed to make it off the bench as United drew 1-1 with Chelsea on Sunday, in a game that all but ended their hopes of playing in the Champions League next term.
Solskjaer, instead, chose to throw on Alexis Sanchez. A Sanchez who, fans believe, must be gone this summer.
Sell him, regardless of his contract, if you think the 23-year-old is not pulling his weight.
United cannot afford any more passengers on their low, troublesome road back to the top. Martial is indicative of a United side who, in the eyes of many of their fans, simply don’t try hard enough.
A video of him standing around, sulking, before the Chelsea game has gone viral.
Solskjaer has already claimed to have had a talk with Martial. Another, sterner, chat is now required.