Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho decided against picking one of his highly rated playmakers for his side's past two matches, and this is apparently the reason why.
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Armenia international Henrikh Mkhitaryan was axed from the first team squad for the Red Devils' matches against Newcastle United and FC Basel, despite being fit.
According to the Daily Mirror, Mourinho has dropped the former Borussia Dortmund star because of his loss of form.
The 28-year-old joined the Old Trafford side from Bundesliga outfit Borussia Dortmund for £27 million (R499 million) last season.
Mkhitaryan, who has been on the wrong side of Mourinho's "tough love" campaign before, struggled upon his arrival and was left out of many matches by the Portuguese tactician.
The treatment seemed to have help, though, as, by the end of the 2016/17 campaign, the Armenian was playing some of his best football.
The former Chelsea manager is now hoping that similar treatment will spark Mkhitaryan back into form, and it is likely he will be picked for the Red Devils' matchday squad on the weekend.
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The midfielder has made 16 appearances for United this season, scoring two goals and assisting a further six strikes.
Do you think Mkhitaryan is the problem, or do Mourinho's tactics perhaps not suit him? Have your say in the comments section below.
