Mourinho explains Mkhitaryan omission with "doubts in air"January 16, 2018 - 10:20 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has admitted he dropped Henrikh Mkhitaryan for the clash against Stoke because of speculation about his future, The Sun reports. The Manchester United winger is being linked with a number of clubs - including Arsenal as part of a deal for Alexis Sanchez. And Old Trafford chief Mourinho claimed he was trying to "protect" the Armenian by leaving him out. He said: "I would lie if I said it was a pure tactical decision. “I don’t think it’s easy for a player to play when there are doubts about his future. "It’s best for him and us, while doubt is in air, to protect him." Mkhitaryan was all smiles as he arrived at the Lowry Hotel ahead of the game, as Anthony Martial turned up late in a taxi on his own. But the Frenchman, also linked with the Gunners, started as United took an early lead through Antonio Valencia. Photo. PA:PRESS ASSOCIATION Top stories Armenian gymnast, Olympic bronze medalist Artur Davtyan has reached the finals of the World Cup. Gor Manvelyan has denied reports alleging that he has expressed a desire to one day play for the French national team. Roma midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan is not considering FC Spartak Moscow as his next haven, according to fresh reports. 10 Armenian lifters will compete in the 2021 World Championships scheduled to be held from 7 to 17 December in Tashkent. Partner news | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |