Jose: Matic And Fellaini In Best-ever Form

Jose Mourinho has praised the form of Nemanja Matic and Marouane Fellaini, claiming the two Manchester United midfielders are currently playing the best football of their careers so far.

Matic has been outstanding for the Reds since arriving from Mourinho's former club Chelsea during the summer, while Fellaini has made an excellent impact when starting or appearing as a substitute in recent weeks.

The boss has been so impressed by the duo that they have largely kept club captain Michael Carrick and last season's Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year, Ander Herrera, out of the team during the Reds' fine start to the campaign.

Speaking after United's 4-0 win over Everton on Sunday, Mourinho said: “[Sergio] Romero played the Europa League final, which was the game of the season for us, and he is not playing now. Herrera was Player of the Season and he is not starting matches. You know, that’s life at big clubs.

“We gave Michael Carrick a contract because we think he’s a good player and an important player. He’s just in a team where I think, in this moment, Matic and Fellaini are in the best form that I have ever seen them. I never saw Matic playing so well. I never saw Fellaini playing so well.”

Carrick is yet to make an appearance this season, while Herrera has only started two games. But, with Paul Pogba also currently sidelined with a hamstring injury, Mourinho insisted the pair will get their opportunity to play and once again emphasised the importance of utilising the full strength of his squad.

“He [Carrick] is in a team with these two guys, playing absolutely phenomenal. For Carrick and for Ander, it’s just patience because their time will arrive. They are going to be important players for us, for sure. That’s the team, that’s the squad. We cannot play with [only] 11 guys.”

Matic has won the club's Man of the Match award twice already this season for his dominant displays against West Ham United and Everton, while Fellaini has scored twice as a substitute against Leicester City and FC Basel and claimed the prize for star player in the UEFA Champions League success over the Swiss champions.

With Mourinho already confirming that Matic will be rested, Carrick and Herrera could be involved as the Reds begin the defence of the League Cup in Wednesday's third-round tie against Championship side Burton Albion at Old Trafford.