Hen in frame for Baggies after injury

HENRIKH Mkhitaryan has clarified he was not risked during United’s Premier League win at Middlesbrough due to a ‘slight injury’.

Mkhitaryan remained on the bench as United ground out a 3-1 win against the relegation strugglers to finally move up the table after spending more than four months marooned in sixth.

Jose Mourinho started Mkhitaryan in United’s slender Europa League victory over Rostov three days before the trip to Boro and withdrew Mkhitaryan in response to Ander Herrera’s 35th red card at Chelsea at the start of a relentless week.

Mkhitaryan was fit enough to score in Armenia’s World Cup qualifying success against Kazakhstan and the 28-year-old could return to the United line-up against West Brom on Saturday.

“I just had a minor injury and couldn’t play against Middlesbrough,” Mkhitaryan told an Armenian reporter. “Even though I was on the bench. Everything is fine now, I feel well.

“I had a slight injury, I talked with the coach and together we decided, I’d better not play against Middlesbrough not to risk my health. When there is a risk of injury, it is better not play one match than risk missing a longer period.”

Mkhitaryan’s popularity in Eastern Europe has rocketed since he moved to United but the Armenian does not want to dwell on his image as an ambassador for his country.

“I do not pay attention to that, I focus on my performances and on my job,” he added.

“If I think what I can do for Armenia, and at the same time forget about football, I won’t be able to do anything. That is why I focus on football, on training, on my performances.

“I try to show my best on the pitch and in this way show people what it means to be Armenian.”