Jose Mourinho: I’m very pleased for Henrikh Mkhitaryan after first Manchester United goal

Posted Friday, December 09, 2016 by squawka.com

Jose Mourinho revealed that he was "very pleased" for Henrikh Mkhitaryan after he scored his first Manchester United goal on Thursday night, securing their passage in the Europa League.

Following a long spell out of the team, sparking questions as to his long-term future at Old Trafford, Mkhitaryan made his return at the back-end of last month, proving instrumental in United's wins over Feyenoord and West Ham United in the Europa League and EFL Cup respectively.

The 27-year-old was finally given the opportunity to show what he could do after arriving from Borussia Dortmund in the summer, and produced a real piece of magic in Europe on Thursday night. Mkhitaryan waltzed into Zorya Luhansk's half unchallenged before cooly slotting the ball home for his first United goal, sealing their qualification.

The game ended 2-0 with Zlatan Ibrahimovic scoring the second, meaning Mourinho's men are now in Monday morning's draw, but following the full-time whistle the Portuguese hailed Mkhitaryan's display in particular.

"It was a strong mentality," Mourinho said (via the club's official website). "He was determined to fight against his difficult adaptation. He worked hard physically and tactically - the talent was there, we knew that when we bought him.

"Now he's playing good - in the Premier League, Europa League and EFL Cup, and now the goal means a little more happiness for him, so I'm very pleased."

Mkhitaryan has created four chances and won 51% of his duels in six Premier League appearances this season, with an average pass accuracy of 86%, as United sit sixth on 21 points, nine behind the top four.

Next up for them is a home clash with Tottenham Hotspur this weekend, before taking on Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.