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Henrikh Mkhitaryan says Manchester United are focused on winning Champions League

Henrikh Mkhitaryan claims Manchester United are hell-bent on winning the Champions League this season.

Speaking at a press conference before United’s Champions League fixture against CSKA Moscow, the Armenian midfielder said: “Manchester United is a massive club and we are focused on trying to win this competition.”

Mkhitaryan believes CSKA Moscow’s experienced team can cause United problems at the VEB Arena.

‘I watch a lot of CSKA games in the Russian league and they have a lot of experience in their team,’ he said.

When asked why he has been so effective in European competition for United, Mkhitaryan said:  “Of course the Champions League is not the same tournament, the Europa League is a bit different.”

“I did very well last season, I’m very happy for that, I’m very glad, but this season it’s a bit different because we’re playing in the Champions League and the tournament is more difficult. But it’s not the first time I’m going to play in Champions League, I know how to deal with it, and I’m going to try to do my best to perform well as well,” the Armenian added.

In his own press conference, manager Jose Mourinho refused to confirm whether Mkhitaryan would start against CSKA – stating he had merely selected the player for media duty because he is fluent in Russian.

“Let me make it clear that normally we bring players here that are starting the match the next day,” the boss said. “Mkhitaryan is coming because he speaks Russian. I try to make life easier for you, especially the Russian media. I’m not saying Mkhitaryan starts the match tomorrow. Maybe he does, maybe he doesn’t, but the reason he comes is that I want to make life easier for you.”

Mourinho added: “He played well last season in the Europa League. But last season was last season. This season is another season and we need him to perform well again. Champions League is a different level and the quality is higher, difficulties are higher. Matches away from home are even more difficult and of course we need the best of our players.”

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