Henrikh handed a lifeline
HENRIKH MKHITARYAN will be given the chance to save his Manchester United career in tonight’s Carabao Cup clash at Bristol City.
The Armenian has been frozen out at Old Trafford and United boss Jose Mourinho has hinted he can leave in next month’s transfer window.
But Mkhitaryan looks set to be handed an opportunity to change his manager’s mind as United aim to book a semi-final spot when they travel to Ashton Gate.
Mourinho said: “We need to take the game seriously but I’m going to make a few changes and it’s possible Miki will be involved.
“In this moment we are playing with Mata, Lingard, Rashford or Martial and Lukaku. The bench has been Ibra and one of the others, Martial or Rashford.
“There is no space for everybody, you need balance on the bench too.”
Mkhitaryan has not started a game for United since their 1-0 defeat at Chelsea on November 5, when he was hauled off.
The 28-year-old has not even been involved in the matchday squad in eight of
their last nine matches. Mourinho (below) made it clear last week that he did not feel Mkhitaryan was performing well enough to merit a place on the bench.
Tonight’s meeting with Bristol City could prove to be his final chance to shine in a United shirt as Mourinho rings the changes.
“I am making a few changes for the match, but not many because Bristol City are one of the best teams in the Championship,” said the United boss.
“For me now, the Championship is not the Championship of five or 10 years ago. It is now high-quality teams with players that could be playing in the Premier League easily.”
Zlatan Ibrahimovic could also start a match for the first time since recovering from a cruciate knee ligament injury.
Paul Pogba is available after his three-match ban, but is expected to be saved for Saturday’s trip to Leicester.
Jesse Lingard, who scored in last season’s final win over Southampton, insists United are keen to defend the League Cup despite having three other competitions to contend with. The midfielder, 25, said: “It’s another trophy in the cabinet so we’re 100 per cent ready.”