Manchester United midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan has revealed how he was never once worried that he would not force his way back into Jose Mourinho’s plans at the club.
The 27-year-old joined the Red Devils in a big-money move from Borussia Dortmund in the summer, but endured a tough opening few months at the club.
Mkhitaryan played in the opening four league games of the season, but a horrid 45 minutes in the defeat to Manchester City back in September saw him miss the next eight top-flight matches.
Injuries played a part in that, but when the Armenia captain was fit, Mourinho often left him in the stands or as an unused substitute, with the Man Utd boss keen on Mkhitaryan to adapt himself better to life in England.
However, the creative midfielder has since returned to the fold and has been one of their best players recently – he suffered another injury against Spurs recently which hampered his progress – and Mkhitaryan admits he always knew he could perform under Mourinho.
“No, because I was trying to do my best in training to earn a place to play. You have to earn it,” Mkhitaryan told The Times of India.
“It doesn’t matter if the club bought me for £40 million, I knew that I am not guaranteed to play. Even when you are selected you many not play every game, depending on the tactical situation and the opponent.”
Mkhitaryan is expected to return to the team for the clash with Sunderland today, after missing the last two league games with his ankle injury.
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