Manchester United Transfer News: Latest on Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Top Rumours

Henrikh Mkhitaryan's Manchester United future is already in doubt after the Armenian playmaker was left out of the club's recent UEFA Europa League win over Fenerbahce. Mkhitaryan was consigned to the bench for the 4-1 win on Thursday, despite having recovered from the thigh problem that had kept him out of previous matches.

It's a situation said to have left the former Borussia Dortmund schemer disillusioned, according to Paul Hirst of the Times (h/t The Independent's Jack De Menezes): "The Times reports that Mkhitaryan was left 'stunned' by Mourinho’s decision, and despite only joining United in the summer in a £26m transfer from Borussia Dortmund, he could be facing the exit already unless he is able to turn around Mourinho’s verdict on his ability."

Mourinho spoke after the Fenerbahce game and offered these reasons for leaving Mkhitaryan out, per BBC Sport's Simon Stone:

Mkhitaryan's start to life at United has been so stunted there were even suggestions of a return to Dortmund, an idea the Bundesliga club's CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke ruled out, per German publication Kicker (h/t Patrick Surlis of Sky Sports).

Perhaps more is being made of Mkhitaryan's struggles than necessary, even if he doesn't appear an ideal fit for Mourinho's tactics. The United boss is at heart a pragmatic strategist, while Mkhitaryan is a flair player, the kind of mercurial figure critics would mockingly describe as a luxury.

Yet while it would be easy to write Mkhitaryan off as an ill-advised flop, the truth could be a lot simpler.

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After all, early struggles have actually been a pattern of the 27-year-old's career, according to Rob Dawson of the Manchester Evening News. Dawson detailed sluggish beginnings with Ukrainian giants Shakhtar Donetsk before a difficult initiation period with Dortmund:

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It was only after he was pushed into a more attacking role that he scored 25 goals in 29 league games to convince Borussia Dortmund, Champions League finalists in 2013, to part with more than £20m that summer.

Staff at Borussia tell a similar story of his time in Germany. Initial problems were followed by a fantastic third season – he scored 23 goals in 51 games last year – and then a move big-money move away.

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Interestingly, Dawson's reasoning for Mkhitaryan's best form with Dortmund puts the onus on Mourinho to get the most from the player at Old Trafford: "There was a feeling in Germany that Mkhitaryan can, at times, be a fragile character. Those who know him best say it is no coincidence that his best form at Dortmund was under Thomas Tuchel, a coach with a reputation of being a terrific man-manager."

Mourinho himself has earned a justified reputation as a very effective communicator who inspires loyalty and maximum effort from his players. How he handles Mkhitaryan in the coming months will be telling about where he ultimately sees this creative type fitting into his United rebuild.

If Mkhitaryan is still missing in action come the turn of the year, it might be Mourinho has decided his languid technique doesn't mesh with the power-based starting XI he is otherwise constructing.

Alternatively, a manager who gears his teams to striking on the counter may decide his squad needs the type of instant inspiration in the final third Mkhitaryan has provided throughout his career.

Ryan Giggs Criticises Marouane Fellaini Signing

United's decision to sign Marouane Fellaini from Everton in the summer of 2013 was reportedly nothing more than a panic buy, according to former Red Devils playing legend and assistant manager Ryan Giggs.

The Welshman was referencing David Moyes' only summer transfer window in charge at Old Trafford. Giggs was critical of the way United's recruitment process went and identified Fellaini's arrival as an illustration of those struggles, per Anthony Jepson of the Manchester Evening News.

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Although, as Giggs mentioned, United had signed players on deadline day before, he felt the Fellaini deal was different: "This time it was more of a panic."

Panic or not, Fellaini has never been a popular signing since arriving from the Toffees in a deal worth £27.5 million. Of course, Moyes knew the player well, having used the towering Belgian as his talisman with Everton.

Yet Fellaini's rugged aerial power and awkward technique never seemed a match for a club that's prided itself on emphasising skill more than brawn. Ultimately, Fellaini was an underwhelming arrival, especially for the then-defending Premier League champions.

Moyes may have wanted a familiar face to help him with the transition to life at Old Trafford. However, he needed to make a bigger splash in the market to convince doubters he was ready to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson in the United dugout.

Ironically, Fellaini has become a frequent participant on Mourinho's watch. A player once out of sorts has been handed nine appearances in all competitions, per WhoScored.com.

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Fellaini has already lauded the trust Mourinho has placed in him, according to an interview with United Review (h/t Mark Froggatt of the club's official site). Mourinho likely appreciates Fellaini's destructive qualities as important in his bid to make United routinely difficult to break down.

The player never warmly received by the United faithful could become a significant figure during the early stages of the Mourinho era. Time will tell if the manager sees Mkhitaryan that way or if the Armenian will soon be looked upon the same way some, including Giggs, view the decision to buy Fellaini.