Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has confirmed that Henrikh Mkhitaryan will miss his side’s trip to Selhurst Park when they face Crystal Palace on Wednesday.

The Armenian midfielder netted the decisive goal during his side’s 1-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on Sunday, to mark his first goal in the Premier League but was stretched off the field through injury.

The Portuguese manager says he is remaining hopeful that the 28-year-old will return in time for them to take on Sunderland on

‘Hopefully, Mkhitaryan can play at Christmas,’ Mourinho told the Manchester United website.

‘We believe it’s possible. When I saw him on the stretcher, I thought it was more difficult; when I watch the tackle on TV, I was a bit scared, but no. It’s a pity because he’s going to miss matches in his best period, but at least we won’t lose a player for so long.’

Manchester United will be hoping to continue their winning ways when they take on Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Wednesday.

Kick-off has been set for 22:00.