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Jose Mourinho overlooking this Man United star is a big mystery, claims Martin Keown
MARTIN KEOWN has conceded he can’t get his head around Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho overlooking Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan - 5 things you need to know
The Armenia international, who joined in a £30m deal from Borussia Dortmund in the summer, has made just four appearances for the club this season.
A thigh injury sustained last month has also limited his involvement and he was left out of the match-day squad for the 1-0 win over Manchester City in the EFL Cup on Wednesday.
And former Arsenal star-turned-pundit Keown thinks the whole situation of Mkhitaryan not playing is strange.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan (right) in action for Manchester United against Manchester City
“It's a big mystery. It is odd when you spend so much money on a player and then don't use them,” Keown told the Daily Mail.
“[Jose] Mourinho could have a plan for Mkhitaryan - he could be keeping him back to work on his power and fitness and give him more awareness of what lies ahead.
“He may also feel that the player is not quite ready and might not trust him yet. Don't forget the manager has been under pressure in recent weeks.
Jose Mourinho has overlooked Henrikh Mkhitaryan this season
Martin Keown is baffled by the Henrikh Mkhitaryan situation
“The problem is that when you bring in a player of that calibre, you are failing that player if you don't play them.
“By signing them, you show that commitment that you want the player there and that they are part of a project.
“It's not the first time big players have been brought in and struggled - Angel di Maria was the most expensive mistake.
“He had tried and tested ability but United couldn't get the best out of him.”
It's a big mystery. It is odd when you spend so much money on a player and then don't use them
United host Burnley in the Premier League tomorrow (3pm).
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