Well, Jose?
Manchester United will be looking for an immediate response from their weekend drubbing at Stamford Bridge when they take on Pep Guardiola’s Man City in the League Cup, but once again, Jose Mourinho has left Henrikh Mkhitaryan out of his matchday squad.
The Armenian international arrived from Borussia Dortmund in the summer for a fee that’s reported to be between £27- £30 million, and despite scoring 23 goals and registering 32 assists in all competitions for BVB last season, he has struggled with injuries and form since moving to England.
A poor showing in United’s league defeat to City, combined with an injury on international duty, hasn’t helped things as Mkhitaryan was left out of United’s squad for their recent matches against Liverpool, Fenerbahce and Chelsea.
The playmaker was voted the Bundesliga Players’ Player of the Season last year but he’s yet to produce that form since moving to Old Trafford.
This being said, football fans have raised questions regarding his absence.
Not to be too disparaging about the League Cup, but this match was surely the perfect opportunity for Mourinho to give Mkhitaryan some much needed game time as he bids to improve his match sharpness.
https://twitter.com/gstobart/status/791345536225931264
Beginning to become laughable how Henrikh Mkhitaryan once again isn't named in the 18-man squad.
— Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) October 26, 2016
Mkhitaryan not in the squad for fourth game running. Nonsensical management, unless he's picked up a late injury. #mufc
— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) October 26, 2016
https://twitter.com/nathanielhyatt/status/791341862078455813
The Mkhitaryan situation is taking on a life on its own now. Barring some unexplained setback, it's incredible he's not in 18 #MUFC #MCFC
— James Ducker (@TelegraphDucker) October 26, 2016
You be patient "and wait and see" but we are well past that point now with Mkhitaryan. Something is up. It's absolutely bizarre.
— Alex Shaw (@AlexShawTel) October 26, 2016
What on earth is happening with Mkhitaryan?!? I heard from the horses mouth he is 100% fit, yet not even in 18 tonight. Baffling & strange.
— Jake Humphrey (@mrjakehumphrey) October 26, 2016