Mkhitaryan hands Europa boost to Mourinho

HENRIKH Mkhitaryan could return to the United side for tomorrow’s Europa League tie with FC Rostov after he travelled with the squad to Russia.

However, Luke Shaw, Wayne Rooney and Bastian Schweinsteiger have all remained in England, while Eric Bailly is suspended for the first leg after he was sent off in the win over St Etienne last month.

Shaw made his first United start in over four months against Bournemouth on Saturday, while Rooney lined-up in the league for the first time since December 17.

Both were substituted in the second half as United. Shaw did appear to be limping at one stage during the first half but did not require treatment.

The Rostov pitch is in terrible condition and it is possible Mourinho does not want to risk any players carrying knocks.

Mkhitaryan missed the EFL Cup final and visit of Bournemouth with a hamstring injury, but trained with team-mates on Friday and took part in a warm-down after Saturday’s game.

Since he returned to the side almost four months ago, he has scored six goals, assisted five, received six man of the match awards and received the Goal of the Month award for his scorpion kick against Sunderland in December.

United’s tie at Rostov is the start of a hectic 10 days which include their FA Cup quarter-final at Chelsea on Monday, the visit of Rostov for the return leg and a trip to Middlesbrough on Sunday, March 19 before the international fortnight.