José Mourinho praised Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s start and admitted the forward’s progress could have been quicker last season if they had understood each other better, The Guardian reports.

Mkhitaryan started United’s 4-0 wins over West Ham and Swansea City in the No10 berth, impressing in each. Last season Mkhitaryan did not make his full debut until Manchester City’s visit on 10 September and was replaced at half-time.

Asked about the 28-year-old Armenia international’s form now Mourinho said: “He understands me and I understand him. Beginning of [last] season, if he had understood me better he would start better. If I had understood him better, probably I would have helped him in a faster way than I did. But we spent a lot of time together, learning each other. I know him well. He knows me well. The second part was good for him. With his talent, this season [will be] even better.”

Paul Pogba secured 140 points and was announced as the UEFA Europa League Player of the 2016/17 season asMkhitaryan (Armenia) and Zlatan Ibrahimović (Sweden) came second and third with 129 and 109 points respectively.