Jose Mourinho admits he is “very pleased” that Henrikh Mkhitaryan is off the mark for Manchester United after the Armenian scored his first goal for the club on his return to Ukraine, according to United’s official website.

The former Shakhtar Donetsk star dribbled through the Zorya Luhansk defence to open the scoring on an icy pitch in the second half in Odessa and Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s late clincher set the seal on a victory that takes the Reds through to the knockout stages of the Europa League.

“It was a strong mentality,” said the boss when asked about Mkhitaryan’s attitude. “He was determined to fight against his difficult adaptation.

“He worked hard physically and tactically – the talent was there, we knew that when we bought him. Now he’s playing good – in the Premier League, Europa League and EFL Cup, and now the goal means a little more happiness for him, so I’m very pleased.”