Jose Mourinho explains Henrikh Mkhitaryan situation ahead of Feyenoord clash

Jose Mourinho has confirmed Henrikh Mkhitaryan's return to the Manchester United first team for their Europa League clash against Feyenoord on Thursday (24 November) after he was omitted from the squad for their 1-1 draw against Arsenal at the weekend (19 November).

The Armenian midfielder has struggled to adapt to the Premier League since his arrival in the summer, and has started just one game in the league thus far, with three others coming from the bench. Mkhitaryan's last appearance was during the Manchester derby loss when he was withdrawn at half-time following a poor display in the first 45 minutes.

The 27-year-old suffered a thigh injury late in September and missed around four weeks of competition. But he was deemed fit ahead of the Liverpool game on 17 October, but has not played in the league since, with his only appearance coming in a 29-minute cameo during the 2-1 loss to Fenerbahce in the Europa League on 3 November.

Mourinho has praised the midfielder for channeling his frustration into his training rather than speak about his situation and revealed that he will be involved against the Dutch side, as he needs to start or play an entire half rather than play the last ten minutes of a game in order to adapt to the rigours of English football.

"Yes. I told him today [Saturday] that he is going to be involved in the game against Feyenoord. He is trying. Obviously he is not happy but he is transforming his frustration in a good way, which is to close the mouth, work hard and try to adapt," Mourinho said, as quoted by United's official site.

"I told him 'this was not the game for you' because I don't think he needs 10 or 20 minutes from the bench. I said 'I think you need a good game and you need to either start or, if not, to come for the second half'. He needs less pressure and better conditions for him to express his qualities."

Mkhitaryan has vowed not give up on his dream of succeeding at Old Trafford and is ready to take on Mourinho's challenge. The Portuguese manager admitted that he will only start getting regular game time if he plays better than Juan Mata, Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial.