Mourinho: It’s possible Mkhitaryan leaves, it’s also possible he stays

Manchester United beat Stoke City 3-0 in the Premier League match last night.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan was left out of the squad and Jose Mourinho had the following to say about his absence:

“I would lie if I said it was a pure tactical decision. It was just a choice of the players that we know, in this moment, they have 100% their heads in Manchester United. I don’t think it’s easy for a player to play when there are doubts about his future. It’s added pressure that a player doesn’t need, so I think it’s the best for him and for us, while the doubt is in the air, to protect him.”

Mourinho also remarked that Mkhitaryan “is a player of high quality, who can give us a lot” if he stays with United. The manager highlighted that the Armenian midfielder started the season very well and then “he came a little bit down”.

“Last season he was an important player and helped us win the Europa League, so let’s see what’s going to happen. Is he going to be involved in a deal and leave us? It’s possible but it’s also possible that he stays. We have to protect him and to protect the team a little bit, so let’s make sure that he stays with us or that he leaves us. It’s a pity that the window closes on the 31st, it should close tomorrow,” said Jose Mourinho.