Henrikh Mkhitaryan: This is why I was dropped for Man United’s last game

Henrikh Mkhitaryan has revealed that Jose Mourinho opted not to risk the playmaker for Manchester United’s clash against Middlesbrough before the international break because he was struggling with a minor injury concern.

The Armenia international was named on the bench but ended up being an unused substitute as the Red Devils secured a 3-1 win over Boro before the international break.

Mkhitaryan has since been on international duty and scored during the 2-0 World Cup qualifier win over Kazakhstan at the weekend.

The playmaker will be hoping to return to action for Manchester United when the Red Devils host West Brom at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Saturday.

And Mkhitaryan has lifted the lid on why he didn’t feature at the Riverside Stadium for Jose Mourinho’s men.

Mkhitaryan is quoted as saying by The Manchester Evening News: “I just had a minor injury and couldn’t play against Middlesbrough.

“Even though I was on the bench. Thank God, everything is fine now, I feel well.

“I had a slight injury, I talked with the coach and together we decided, I’d better not play against Middlesbrough not to risk my health.

“When there is a risk of injury, it is better not play one match than risk missing a longer period.”

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Manchester United are currently in fifth place in the Premier League table as they chase Champions League qualification in Mourinho’s first season in charge at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils finished fifth and won the FA Cup last season.