Mkhitaryan’s return pleases Blind

Daley Blind is pleased to see Henrikh Mkhitaryan back in the Manchester United squad following the Armenian attacker’s two-game absence through injury, MU official website informs.

Mkhitaryan missed the EFL Cup final and the Premier League game against Bournemouth but was among the 20 players who travelled to Russia for Thursday’s Europa League encounter with FC Rostov.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of the Round of 16, first-leg encounter at Olimp-2, Blind was asked about the no.22, whom he has sometimes linked with on United’s left this season.

“I’m very happy Micki is back; he’s a great player with a lot of qualities, so of course we’re happy that he’s back on the pitch again with us,” Blind said.

“Micki’s a very smart player. You can always reach him – he always makes good runs. It’s a pleasure to play with him.”

United manager Jose Mourinho revealed his concerns about the condition of the pitch in Rostov-on-Don, admitting he was unsure which team he would pick, and Blind provided his own view.

“I’ve been outside on the pitch as well and, to be honest, it is not the best,” the Dutchman said. “Maybe the quality of the game will be different, but in the end it doesn’t have to be an excuse for us. We’re here for one thing: we have to concentrate, play the game and try to win – that’s what we’re here for.”

Rostov boast a formidable home record, losing just one of their last 31 games on their own patch, and Blind was asked if a draw would be a good result for United on Thursday.

“We’re here to win, we want to get a good result but we know in our minds it’s over two games, so we have to be smart and adapt in the game if that’s needed,” the defender added.

“We know there is always a second leg at home at Old Trafford – we are aware of that but the first thing is we want to win here and score a goal. That’s how we look at it.”