Jose Mourinho explains reason for axing Henrikh Mkhitaryan

JosseeMourinho explains reason
for axing Henrikh Mkhitaryan
- Manchester United manager Jose
Mourinho has explained his reason for
axing Henrikh Mkhitaryan
- Mourinho claims that the Armenia star
was hiding in games
- He however explained that he
(Mkhitaryan) might feature against
Brighton but he needs to improve to
continuously be in the squad
Manchester United manager Jose
Mourinho has accused Armenia
midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan of
' disappearing' in games, telling him he
must improve if he entertains hopes of
getting back to the squad.
The Portuguese manager has axed the
Armenia international from his last two
match-day squads after losing patience
with the £27m attacking midfielder
following a dramatic loss of form.
Jose Mourinho explains reasons for axing
Henrikh Mkhitaryan (photo: REUTERS)
Although Mkhitaryan will be restored to
for Saturday’s visit of Brighton,
Mourinho has placed a stiff warning on
him – and the rest of their players – he
will not tolerate such sub-par displays.
He said: “I wasn’t happy with his last
performances,
“I’m not speaking about one or two, I’m
speaking about three, four or five.
“He started the season very well and
after that, step by step, he was
disappearing. His performance levels in
terms of goal-scoring and assists, high
pressing, recovering the ball high up the
pitch, bringing the team with him as a
No.10, were decreasing."
He added: “That was enough, because
the others worked to have a chance.
“Everybody works to have a chance. It’s
as simple as that.”
Mkhitaryan had five assists by the end
of August but has had none since. He
has managed just one goal in 11
Premier League appearances this term.
Asked if Mkhitaryan will start against
Brighton, Mourinho said: “I don’t know.
I still have one training session but, for
sure, he will be back in the group.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan started the season in fine
form (photo: Man Utd via Getty)
“For him to be back to the group, it
means that somebody is going to leave
the group. That’s life. The rules are like
this. It’s only 11 players plus seven [on
the bench].
“When you have a chance and the
performance is not what you expect,
that’s normal.
“That’s life. You have to perform.”