Mkhitaryan to miss Burnley clash as United negotiates with Arsenal

Henrikh Mkhitaryan will remain on the sidelines for Manchester United's match against Burnley on Saturday as discussions over a move to Arsenal continue, manager Jose Mourinho confirmed Friday.

Although Mkhitaryan trained as normal with his teammates, Mourinho decided to omit the Armenian international so United could focus on the task at hand.

"No, (Mkhitaryan was) not selected but in very good condition, training really well, and in perfect condition like the others," Mourinho said.

He also emphasised that nothing is done yet, despite Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger's claims that it's "likely" the Red Devils will sign Alexis Sanchez.

Mkhitaryan is expected to head the other way in a swap deal, with the BBC's David Ornstein reporting the Gunners are "confident" of agreeing to personal terms with the 28-year-old.

"There is nothing new. I think clearly everybody knows that we are there, and especially when the Arsenal manager speaks so clearly like he did, there is no point in trying to hide or deny it," Mourinho added. "But it is not done - not done at all. So, in this moment, Mkhitaryan is our player and Sanchez is an Arsenal player. With a match tomorrow, I want to switch off and focus on the most important thing."

Mourinho also kept Mkhitaryan out of United's 3-0 win over Stoke City on Monday because there were "doubts" about the player's future. The midfielder has made just 11 starts in the Premier League this season.