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Manchester United cruised to a 4-0 victory over Feyenoord last night in the Europa League.  Mkhitaryan meanwhile, made just his first start for United since September following a combination of injury problems and question marks surrounding his mental strength.

Mourinho was impressed with the way the Armenian playmaker took to the challenge against Feyenoord. By the second half he was the driving force behind the majority of Manchester United’s attacks.

When Mkhitaryan was replaced by Memphis Depay in the 82nd minute he was given a standing ovation by the majority of the stadium, and he knew he had done everything he could have done to earn himself some recognition from Mourinho too.

Speaking about Mkhitaryan’s performance in the post-match press conference, Mourinho said:

"The reception [from the fans] he deserved because he played very well. Always improving, improving, improving, improving until the moment he was really tired and I felt it was the right moment to take him off and to let him come off with a very good performance. It was important for his confidence and he will try to keep adapting and trying to replicate this kind of quality performance in the Premier League which is a competition with different difficulties."