Mkhitaryan will feature against Feyenoord

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho says Henrikh Mkhitaryan will feature in Thursday's Europa League match against Feyenoord after impressing him through his hard work in training.

The 27-year-old has barely featured under Mourinho since his £26.3million summer move from Borussia Dortmund, but the United boss says he has been impressed by the Armenian's attempts to improve his fitness to cope with the physical demands of the Premier League.

"Yes, he is getting closer to returning to the team. I told him on Saturday that he is going to be involved in the game against Feyenoord," said Mourinho.

"Obviously he is not happy [about not playing] but he is trying.

"He is transforming his frustration in a good way which is to close the mouth, work hard and try to adapt."

Mkhitaryan has not started for United since the 2-1 Old Trafford derby defeat to Manchester City on 10 September, and the 2015 Bundesliga player of the year has played just 133 minutes in total for his new club.

The 61-times capped Armenia international, who has struggled recently with a thigh injury, played 90 minutes for his country during the international break but was not in the 18-man United squad for Saturday's 1-1 Premier League draw with Arsenal.

"I told him: 'This was not the game for you'," Mourinho explained.

"I don't think he needs 10 or 20 minutes from the bench - 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."

Photo (@Getty Images/Mark Runnacles)

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