Manchester United boss Mourinho has overseen Martial’s return to form in recent times, with the France international finally justifying his £36million price tag over at Old Trafford.
The 22-year-old forward was, however, benched for the Red Devils’ 2-2 Premier League draw with Southampton on Saturday.
Manchester United struggled without Martial in their ranks, with goals from Romelu Lukaku and Ander Herrera managing to secure them a vital three points.
And ESPN have now delved into why Martial was not in Jose Mourinho‘s starting line-up for the Southampton draw.
Before the game, United’s team raised eyebrows.
Mourinho opted to deploy Nemanja Matic and Phil Jones in defence, while picking four central midfielders.
Lukaku and Marcus Rashford were then given the nod up top – despite the club having no wingers.
And ESPN say Martial did not make the XI because the United forward has a slight muscle injury – meaning it was better to save him for the upcoming clash with Arsenal.
The festive season is fast approaching.
The club have seven matches coming up this month with Arsenal next up on Wednesday evening (8pm).
And Mourinho was reportedly mindful of monitoring his star performer’s workload.
Martial’s future at United has been the source of much discussion in recent months.
And Arsenal have been backed to lure the France international to north London if he does not renew his current contract.
Gunners legend Lauren, who helped the club win the Premier League title in 2004, said: “If Martial doesn’t renew his contract at Man Utd, Arsenal would be crazy not to try and snap him up.
“He’s a fantastic player and is starting to show what he can really do when given a good run of games.
“Martial won’t go anywhere without being guaranteed first-team football, which I think he would get at Arsenal.”