Mourinho: We need dynamism and desire

Goals from Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard helped United earn a deserved point in Wednesday's 2-2 draw at home to Arsenal, with Mourinho's men producing a spirited response after falling behind twice during the game.

Speaking in Friday's press conference to preview Saturday's Premier League match against Fulham at Old Trafford, the boss expressed his delight at the attacking display against the Gunners but insisted more goals will be needed as the Reds push to regain a place in the top four. 

“We need to score more goals,” Jose said. "I think being dynamic, happiness and routines adapted to the qualities of the players is one thing but, in the end, the most important thing is [putting] the ball in the net, goals, points and victories.

"But that [being dynamic] is a good thing and a thing that I praise. That's something that the team needs and one of the reasons why, for example, in the last match [against Arsenal] we pressed high. One of the reasons why the team was up and pressing was because of the characteristics and the desire of these attacking players." 

Against Arsenal, the boss started with a front three of Marcus Rashford, Martial and Lingard - who are 21, 23 and 25 years old respectively. 

Romelu Lukaku was introduced as a second-half substitute, along with Paul Pogba and Marouane Fellaini.

When asked about the Belgium striker's recent involvement, Jose said that Romelu was in need of a breather following a busy summer and a recent injury.

“He's having a rest," the boss told reporters. "He was injured, he didn't play a couple of matches due to injury. He didn't play [against] Juventus [away], he didn't play against Chelsea. He was on the bench against Manchester City and another game, so I don't think in the last month we can speak about many minutes." 

LINGARD'S TAKE ON THE ATTACKING TRIO

Jesse Lingard opened his goals account for the season with the all-important equaliser against Arsenal on Wednesday night and enjoyed being part of the Reds' youthful and energetic attacking trio, along with fellow goalscorer Martial and pal Rashford. 

"It was good," our no.14 told MUTV ahead of the Fulham match. "It was good. We played close together and I think that is very important – when one gets the ball, the other two make the movement, with one coming close and the other running in behind. We had a really good understanding. 

"I think, off the pitch, obviously me and Marcus are very close and, of course, that helps on the pitch with communication." 

United v Fulham kicks off at 15:00 GMT on Saturday. MUTV subscribers will be able to enjoy 90 minutes of live build-up from 13:30 GMT.

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