Mourinho explains why Mkhitaryan was missing from United's match day squad

Henrikh Mkhitaryan is reportedly battling for his future at Manchester United

Jose Mourinho has revealed why Henrikh Mkhitaryan was missing from Manchester United's match day squad against Newcastle.

The Armenian's form has dipped recently, and the Red Devils boss opted to start both Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford for the first time this season.

Mkhitaryan was on international duty last week but didn't even make the bench against the Magpies, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic returning to the fold.

Mourinho told BT Sport in his pre-match interview that the Armenian wasn't selected for 'tactical reasons'.

Eric Bailly was also a noticeable absentee from the Red Devils squad - with Victor Lindelof replacing the Ivory Coast international at the heart of defence.

Mourinho informed fans the 23-year-old is injured.