Henrikh Mkhitaryan ‘fighting to save Manchester United career’ as Jose Mourinho loses patience
Reporter for Metro.co.ukMonday 20 Nov 2017 9:32 am
United fear the Armenian cannot handle the rigours of the Premier League and needs a rest (Getty) Manchester United are seriously concerned about the form and fitness of Henrikh Mkhitaryan and the playmaker’s Old Trafford career is in the balance, according to reports.
The Armenian, who only joined the club 16 months ago, lost his place in the United starting XI for Saturday’s Premier League victory over Newcastle.
While Jose Mourinho cited ‘tactical reasons’ for the omission, The Sun now claim that both the manager and his backroom team have major reservations about his suitability to the team and English football.
Mkhitaryan was integrated into the first team slowly last season but appeared to have found his feet when he record five assists in his first three league outings of the current campaign.
However, he has not recorded an assist since September and was dropped against both Huddersfield and Newcastle, with reports now saying he has shown alarming signs of fatigue.
Mourinho is growing increasingly frustrated with the former Borussia Dortmund man and is seriously concerned that he is still unable to adapt to the mental and physical demands of the Premier League.
The Sun quote one source who says Mkhitaryan is ‘battling to save his career’, with a number of the club’s staff concerned about his lack of sharpness and fitness.
In fact, it is so bad that Mourinho is considering giving the 28-year-old a period of rest over the coming weeks so he can build up some energy ahead of the busy festive schedule.
With Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba back from injury, and Juan Mata taking his place against Newcastle, Mkhitaryan is facing a massive fight to get back in the side.
United, meanwhile, have been linked with a host of big-name attackers who could also take the Armenian’s place in the team, with Antoine Griezmann and Gareth Bale believed to be top of Mourinho’s shopping list, while a move for Mesut Ozil has also been muted.