Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has admitted he “does not know” if forward Anthony Martial will return to the team once they are back in Manchester.

The Frenchman started in both of United’s opening matches on their pre-season tour of the US, before flying back home to attend the birth of his child.

Mourinho did express his happiness for Martial, but did admit he believes Martial should have returned to the tour afterwards.

And when Mourinho was quizzed about Martial’s return following United’s 2-1 friendly win over Real Madrid in Miami, he initially shoved the question onto United’s press officer before admitting he did not know whether he would return to the team.

“Anthony Martial? Is better for [press officer] Karen [Shotbolt] to answer if she wants to answer,” Mourinho said. Shotbolt then replied: “We’re here to talk about the game.”

Asked by another reporter later if Martial will link up with the side on their return to Manchester, Mourinho said: “I don’t know.”

Martial’s situation at United is a sad state of affairs, it clearly seems as if the Frenchman wants out of the club and perhaps they are powerless to that eventuality.

If Martial does force an exit, it remains to be seen how Mourinho might choose to replace him.