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Jose Mourinho has accused Henrikh Mkhitaryan of “disappearing” and told the Manchester United star he must raise his game.

Mourinho has axed Mkhitaryan from his last two match-day squads after losing patience with the £27million attacking midfielder following a dramatic loss of form.

Although the 28-year-old will be restored to for Saturday’s visit of Brighton, the Old Trafford boss warned him – and the rest of their players – he will not tolerate such sub-par displays.

“I wasn’t happy with his last performances,” said Mourinho.

(Image: Man Utd via Getty) (Image: Action Images via Reuters)

“I’m not speaking about one or two, I’m speaking about three, four or five.

“He started the season very well and after that, step by step, he was disappearing. His performance levels in terms of goal-scoring and assists, high pressing, recovering the ball high up the pitch, bringing the team with him as a No.10, were decreasing.

“That was enough, because the others worked to have a chance.

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“Everybody works to have a chance. It’s as simple as that.”

Mkhitaryan had five assists by the end of August but has had none since. He has managed just one goal in 11 Premier League appearances this term.

Asked if Mkhitaryan will start against Brighton, Mourinho said on Friday morning: “I don’t know. I still have one training session but, for sure, he will be back in the group.

“For him to be back to the group, it means that somebody is going to leave the group. That’s life. The rules are like this. It’s only 11 players plus seven [on the bench].

“When you have a chance and the performance is not what you expect, that’s normal.

“That’s life. You have to perform.”