Manchester United vs Tottenham: Henrikh Mkhitaryan 'understands' second chance from Jose Mourinho

FootballSportPremier LeagueManchester UnitedTottenhamTom Doyle

Henrikh Mkhitaryan says he "now understands" why he has been restored to Manchester United's starting XI after working hard to impress manager Jose Mourinho.

Mkhitaryan, 27, joined United from Borussia Dortmund this summer and was expected to be a key player in Mourinho's new-look team.

However, the Armenia international was dropped after a disappointing first-half display in the 2-1 home defeat to rivals Manchester City back in September, with Mourinho often calling on the forward to show more desire and drive to win back his role.

Mkhitaryan featured in the Premier League for the first time in over two months against West Ham in late November, and has started the last two games against the Hammers (EFL Cup) and Everton (league).

United face Zorya Luhansk in the Europa League on Thursday before a tough league test against top four rivals Spurs at Old Trafford on Sunday, and Mkhitaryan is determined to remain in Mourinho's favour following a difficult start to life in Manchester.

"There was no bad relation with him [Mourinho], it was always good but the problem wasn't him, it was me," he told Sky Sports News HQ.

"Now I understand why I have got my chance and I will keep it, I will hold it, because it is very important for me to play, to be a part of Manchester United.

"I was thinking that I would be here as a starting line-up player but when I arrived I saw that there were 25 players fighting for their place and I understood that it wasn't going to be easy.

"I had a bad game against Manchester City but that is in the past so I kept working. I have done a great job to get my chance back and I think I did it a really long way until I start playing.

"I hope [this is a turning point] because it is really very important to play in every game, doing your best, because if you are not going to do your best then you are not going to play in the next game.

"The manager has a lot of choice, he has five or six players in that position but I know that playing now I know what I have done bad in the past and what good I can do in the future. So I know how I can help the team and I will be doing my best."

ArticleMkhitaryan 'understands' second chance from Mourinho before Spurs testManchester UnitedTottenham HotspurPremier LeagueHenrikh MkhitaryanJose Mourinho Manchester United vs Tottenham: Henrikh Mkhitaryan 'understands' second chance from Jose MourinhoGalleryPublishedMedium width1Tuesday, December 6, 2016 - 17:32OnEnable video endboarddefaultTuesday, December 6, 2016 - 17:30Greater LondonGB