Attacking midfielder Mkhitaryan, 27, became the second of the Reds’ four summer signings when he completed his switch from Borussia Dortmund early in July.
Last season’s Bundesliga Players’ Player of the Year started United’s first three pre-season encounters, against Wigan Athletic, his old club Dortmund and Galatasaray, before playing the second half of Wayne Rooney’s Testimonial against Everton.
But the Armenian is being eased into competitive action, coming off the bench in stoppage time in the Reds’ Community Shield win over Leicester City, and for the final 15 minutes of the Premier League opening-weekend victory at Bournemouth.
Asked in his Thursday press conference to reveal his thinking behind the decision, Mourinho provided an honest and detailed answer, reiterating that Mkhitaryan would be an important player for United this term, reports Manchester United FC.com.
“Options,” the boss said. “I was reading the game against Leicester and I felt that we needed the speed of Jesse Lingard and, in the game against Bournemouth, that [Juan] Mata would help guard against their pressing really high. He could reach some spaces behind the line of the pressure and could be very useful for us.
“I decided to play [Wayne] Rooney in both games, close to Zlatan [Ibrahimovic], and I didn’t start with Micki. When some managers buy players, they feel they have to protect their choices by playing the player all the time – I am not like this. Before me, comes the team and what I think is best for the team.
“I felt that Lingard and Mata were better options for the team in these matches, with the reality of the Premier League, so I made that decision.
“I keep saying the same thing, though, that Mkhitaryan is a super football player and will give us a lot during the season.”
[NewTelegraph]
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