Manchester United news: Jose Mourinho told unhappy Henrikh Mkhitaryan Arsenal game 'was not for you'

Mourinho believes Mkhitaryan cannot deal with the pressure of such an important clash yet

Mkhitaryan has not featured in the league since early September (Getty)

Henrikh Mkhitaryan was not involved during Manchester United’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal because Jose Mourinho told him the game was too pressured for him.

The former Borussia Dortmund playmaker has featured for the club in the Premier League since being withdrawn at half time of the Manchester derby defeat to City at the start of September.

His only appearance since then has been when he came on as a substitute during the Europa League defeat away to Fenerbahce.

And he was again omitted from the 18-man matchday squad on Saturday after Mourinho, who sanctioned the £26.5m purchase of Mkhitaryan, told him he needed “better conditions” to play in.

"I told him Arsenal was not the game for you," said Mourinho.

"I don't think he needs 10 or 20 minutes from the bench. He needs less pressure and better conditions for him to express his qualities.

"I think he needs a good game and he needs to either start or, if not, to come on for the second half."

However, Mkhitaryan will likely be involved in Thursday’s Europa League tie with Feyenoord, although admitted the Armenian was not happy with the situation.

"I told him that he is going to be involved in the game [against Feyenoord]," Mourinho said.

"He is trying. He is not happy but he is transforming his frustration in a good way, which is to close the mouth and work hard and try to adapt."