Henrikh out to be big hit again

HENRIKH MKHITARYAN returns to the Manchester United squad today with everything to prove after Jose Mourinho accused him of disappearing in games.

The Armenian playmaker has been out in the cold since turning in a lacklustre display in the defeat at Chelsea earlier this month.

In a blistering analysis of his star’s slump, Mourinho explained why Mkhitaryan

(right) has been exiled for the past two games.

Ahead of the visit from Brighton, Mourinho said: “I was not happy with his last performances and I am not talking about one or two. I am talking about three, four, five.

“He started this season very well and after that, step by step, he was disappearing.

“His performance level – in terms of goalscoring, assists, high pressing, bringing the team with him as a No. 10 – were decreasing step by step. And there was a time that was enough. The others, they work to have a chance.”

Mourinho is also concerned about the future of midfielder Marouane Fellaini, whose contract talks have stalled.

The Belgian wants a longer deal than the two years believed to be on offer and can talk to interested foreign clubs in January.

Mourinho said: “It is a discussion between the player and the board. I’m not involved in contracts, in deals. I respect both.

“I respect the player because he has the right to decide his future, and I respect the board because the decisions and the discussions are under control. So I just wait.”