Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has insisted that Henrikh Mkhitaryan is physically fit, but needs some time to get used to the intensity of playing football again this season.

Mkhitaryan has struggled with injuries this season since arriving at Manchester United from Borussia Dortmund in the summer, and has received only limited opportunities.




Some Manchester United fans have been left baffled by his omission from the squad in recent games despite Mourinho declaring the Armenia being fit to play on occasions.

However, the Manchester United manager has clarified his position on Mkhitaryan and insisted that the winger needs more time to get used to the intensity of football following his injury.
 


And Mourinho is confident that the 27-year-old will eventually become the player everyone expects him to be at Manchester United.  

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Asked about Mkhitaryan’s fitness, the Manchester United boss said in a press conference: “Not injury.

“Sometimes I confuse the meaning fit in the English language, sometimes fit means that you aren’t injured. Mkhitaryan is not injured, he is training with the team 100 per cent.

“Some players have the profile of adapting easily but some other players need more time to feel the intensity.

"Some players need time to feel the competitiveness and the level of work without the ball.

"Mikhi needs time to become the top player we know he can be.

“Of course we believe in Mikhi and sooner or later there will be no problem.”

It remains to be seen whether Mkhitaryan returns to the squad when Manchester United host Burnley on Saturday at Old Trafford.

He has not played since the derby defeat to Manchester City on 10th September.