Henrikh Mkhitaryan will be named in the starting XI for Manchester United’s meeting with Hull City, Jose Mourinho has confirmed.
It comes amid scrutiny over winger Anthony Martial’s place at United after the French international returned after being dropped from Mourinho’s squad for the weekend FA Cup win over Wigan.
Following a peculiar two-month spell of freezing Mkhitaryan out of his squad, Mourinho has relied on the playmaker’s brilliant impact of late.
The 28-year-old has created more chances (14) than any teammate across the last five Premier League games, as he gradually becomes more integral to the Red Devils’ attacking play.
Most recently, Mkhtaryan shone in United’s FA Cup Fourth Round win over Wigan Athletic, scoring and assisting during a 4-0 victory in which he scooped the Man of the Match award.
That performance was enough to secure his spot ahead of Martial for Wednesday’s Premier League hosting of Hull, according to the Portuguese coach.
As reported by United’s official website, Mourinho said: “Do you want me to leave Micki out after him being Man of the Match and playing so well as he did?
“I can’t! I think the players pick themselves, I’m just here to analyse what they do and to try to be fair with them. After such a good performance, Micki has to play. It’s simple.”
United are facing the Tigers for the second time in a week, having lost 2-1 at the KCOM Stadium in the second leg of their EFL Cup semi-final.
However, that scoreline was still enough to take Mourinho’s men to Wembley with a 3-2 aggregate win.
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