Crystal Palace vs. Manchester United: Jose Mourinho's Pre-Match Presser Quotes

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho admitted he was scared that Henrikh Mkhitaryan could be out for some time after he was injured against Tottenham Hotspur but said the in-form Armenian could return by Christmas. 

Mkhitaryan netted the only goal as United beat Spurs 1-0 in the Premier League on Sunday, but he had to be stretchered off after a Danny Rose challenge five minutes from time.

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According to ESPN FC's Mark Ogden, the former Borussia Dortmund playmaker is expected to miss only two weeks with an ankle injury.

However, speaking on Monday ahead of United's Wednesday league clash with Crystal Palace, Mourinho revealed he had initially feared worse, per Arash Hekmat of the Mirror:

"

Hopefully he can play at Christmas. We believe it's possible. When I saw him on the stretcher, I thought it was more difficult; when I watch the tackle on TV, I was a bit scared, but no.

It's a pity, because he’s going to miss matches in his best period, but at least we won't lose a player for so long.

"

The Red Devils' defeat of Spurs was their first league win in four matches, and Mourinho will be eager for another three points at Palace.

Mkhitaryan was one of many top performers for United against the north London outfit, and the Portuguese manager picked out centre-back Phil Jones for praise ahead of the clash with Alan Pardew's Eagles, per football writer Chris Winterburn:

"

Jones worked with one of my guys, Carlos Lalin, and he has had a really big improvement in his physical condition. 

He is now looking big, strong and athletic, I have seen a big development in his condition, the same with [Marcos] Rojo. 

Jones has played six matches, six matches Phil Jones? I don't remember when he did that. In a period without [Eric] Bailly and [Chris] Smalling when people could be scared, they both stepped up and played well and solid.

"

Mourinho also commented on United's UEFA Europa League last-32 opponents, AS Saint-Etienne. He said "the good thing is the travel distance," after United were paired with the French side in Monday's draw, per Hekmat. 

He also revealed Paul Pogba's reaction to the Red Devils being drawn against his brother Florentin's side, per the Times' Paul Hirst:

"

Jose on Paul Pogba v Florentin Pogba": "It’s a nice thing. Paul was already laughing and for sure his brother is laughing too."

— Paul Hirst (@hirstclass) December 12, 2016"

The last time United came up against Palace was back in May at Wembley when they won the FA Cup final.

The corresponding fixture at Selhurst Park last season ended in a 0-0 draw, a result Mourinho and United will not be looking to repeat.

Only a win will be satisfactory for the Manchester outfit in south London, especially against a Palace side who have won just one of their last nine Premier League matches.