Manchester United’s Henrikh Mkhitaryan and manager Jose Mourinho have seen their relationship go from bad to worse. The midfielder was dropped following Manchester United’s 1-0 loss to Chelsea on December 5, and it looks likely that Mourinho will replace the out of favour player in January.
Mkhitaryan has played just once since being taken off during the team’s loss at Stamford Bridge, and it came in a 19 minute cameo against Brighton on November 25.
Mourinho has omitted the midfielder from eight of his last 10 matchday squads. It has left many pondering whether the Armenian player will remain at Old Trafford after the upcoming transfer window opens.
Mkhitaryan has been quoted as saying he is “baffled” by being omitted from the Manchester United team. He has also stated he believes Mourinho’s tactics are not playing to his strengths either.
Manchester United are continuing to be linked with a January purchase of Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil. English newspapers have reported Mourinho wants to sell Mkhitaryan in the next transfer window to open up a spot for Ozil in the team. Mkhitaryan is valued at £31.5 million.
The midfielder has tallied five assists and one goal in 12 Premier League matches this term. But since being frozen out of the team, speculation of his departure has grown. There is no word on whether Mourniho would swap the out of favour Armenian for Ozil, but it could be a way to sweeten a deal with Arsene Wenger.
Manchester United travel to West Brom Albion on Sunday to face the Baggies. Currently second in the Premier League, Manchester United are 11 points behind league leaders Manchester City.
