Manchester United could sell Henrikh Mkhitaryan to make way for Arsenal wantaway Mesut Ozil next summer

Manchester United retain an interest in Arsenal contract-rebel Mesut Ozil.

And Jose Mourinho will consider parting with out-of-favour Henrikh Mkhitaryan in an effort to land the Germany international on a free transfer at the end of the season.

Mkhitaryan has been left out of seven of the last eight United squads and manager Jose Mourinho has said other players 'deserve' to play ahead of the Armenia international. 

Manchester United are interested in signing Arsenal's playmaker Mesut Ozil

Manchester United are interested in signing Arsenal's playmaker Mesut Ozil

Henrikh Mkhitaryan could be sold to make way  as he is out of favour with Jose Mourinho

Henrikh Mkhitaryan could be sold to make way as he is out of favour with Jose Mourinho

Mkhitaryan was absent as United beat Bournemouth 1-0 on Wednesday night, with Victor Lindelof, Sergio Romero, Ander Herrera, Daley Blind, Ashley Young, Marcus Rashford and Zlatan Ibrahimovic named on the bench ahead of him.


And Mourinho explained: 'I had two defenders that can play in different areas, I have Ashley Young to cover the wing and wing backs position.

'[Ander] Herrera is a midfield player, Zlatan [Ibrahimovic] is a striker, [Marcus] Rashford is a second striker and a winger.

'To have Mkhitaryan means I don't have one of them and I believe the others deserve [to be selected].'

As well as Mkhitaryan, the United manager already has Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard who can fill the No 10 role at Old Trafford and knows he cannot justify a fourth.

The Armenian has only played 19 minutes of first-team football since November 5

The Armenian has only played 19 minutes of first-team football since November 5

United manager Mourinho is keeping an eye on the playmaker's situation at Arsenal

United manager Mourinho is keeping an eye on the playmaker's situation at Arsenal

Sportsmail revealed on Wednesday that Ozil would favour a move to the Gunners' Premier League rivals over Barcelona. 

Arsenal recently launched their latest attempt to persuade Ozil, whose deal expires in the summer, to extend his deal.

He has already turned down a new deal worth £235,000 a week as he wants closer to £300,000.

A move up north would see Ozil reunite with Mourinho as the pair worked together for three years at Real Madrid.  

Ozil and Mourinho have worked together at Real Madrid before - winning the La Liga title

Ozil and Mourinho have worked together at Real Madrid before - winning the La Liga title