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Henrikh Mkhitaryan Should Fear For His Manchester United Career After Jose Mourinho's Latest Comments

Henrikh Mkhitaryan Should Fear For His Manchester United Career After Jose Mourinho's Latest Comments

This really doesn't look good for the Manchester United winger...

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare

It has been a tough few weeks for Manchester United midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

The 28-year-old has been left out of Jose Mourinho's squad for seven of the last eight games, a decision that has sparked huge reaction from fans on social media.

Mkhitaryan last featured under Mourinho as a substitute in the club's 1-0 win over Brighton last month, as the Manchester United manager opts for different members of the squad, but what is the real reason behind his absence?

It seems the midfielders lack of form is a big factor behind Mourinho's decision to leave the Armenian out of match day squads, and in a recent interview via Manchester United's official website, the manager has spoken about Mkhitaryan's absense:

"I can only have six [outfield] players on the bench and I try to have some balance on the bench - I had two defenders and [Daley] Blind who can play in different areas. I had Ashley Young to cover me all of the wing and the wing-back position.

"I had [Ander] Herrera as a midfield player, Zlatan [Ibrahimovic] as a striker and Marcus [Rashford] as a second striker and winger. I played [Anthony] Martial, [Juan] Mata and [Jesse] Lingard in the team. To have Micki means that I don't have one of them and, in this moment, I believe the other ones they deserve [the chance to play]"

This isn't the first time Mourinho has criticised Mkhitaryan of late, laying into him for not being at the races. Speaking in a press conference before the Brighton game last month, as quoted by Sky Sports, he said:

"I was not happy with his last performances and I am not speaking about one or two. I am 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, assists, high pressing, recovering the ball high on the pitch, bringing the team with him as a number 10, were decreasing step by step. That was enough because the others, they work to have a chance, everybody works to have a chance. So, it is as simple as that.

"For sure he will be back to the group and, for him to be back to the group, it means that somebody is going to leave the group. Maybe next press conference tomorrow after the match you are asking me why A was not on the pitch or why B was not even selected but that is life. You have to perform."

It really doesn't look good for Mkhitaryan, despite his superb start to the Premier League season.

What does Mourinho need to do to get the best out of the Armenian?

Let us know your thoughts.

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Topics: Jose Mourinho, Football, Manchester United, Premier League