Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has hinted that Henrikh Mkhitaryan's axe from the matchday squad to face Stoke City is transfer related.

The Armenian international, who has struggled for game time this season, has been linked with a move to Arsenal.

Reports have claimed that the winger's departure will be part of a deal that will see Alexis Sanchez switch to Old Trafford.

The Chile international was widely expected to join United's neighbours Manchester City following a deadline-day attempt to sign the attacker in the summer, but it appears that the 29-year-old is edging towards the red half.

Ahead of this evening's Premier League clash against Stoke, Mourinho was asked about Mkhitaryan's absence.

"I would lie if I said it was a pure tactical decision," the Daily Star quotes the United manager as saying. "It was just a choice of the players that we know, in this moment, they have 100% their heads in Manchester United.

"No doubts about the future. I don't think it's easy for a player to play when there are doubts about his future. It's added pressure that a player doesn't need, so I think it's the best for him and for us, while the doubt is in the air, to protect him."

Mkhitaryan has started just 11 league games this season.