Jose Mourinho explains reason for axing Man United star midfielder

macfranc007 November 24, 2017 IFTTT, Latest Sport News | Today on Naij.com Arinze Esomnofu

- 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 Huddesfield 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].

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“When you have a chance and the performance is not what you expect, that’s normal.

“That’s life. You have to perform.”

NAIJ.com reported earlier that Switzerland champions Basel defeated English Premier League giants Manchester United 1 - 0 in their UEFA Champions League matchday 5 tie.

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