Former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann has claimed that Henrikh Mkhitaryan could be the key component to kick-start Manchester United's campaign, branding Jose Mourinho's decision to overlook him "strange".

The Armenia international, talked up heavily by the United boss upon his £26m arrival from Borussia Dortmund in the summer, has been afforded just 104 minutes of Premier League action so far.

Mkhitaryan has not featured at all for the Red Devils since leaving the pitch midway through the league defeat to Manchester City early last month, having picked up an injury on international duty that has taken longer than expected to fully heal.

Mourinho reiterated on Friday that the 27-year-old requires more time before he will get another first-team chance, but Hamann believes that the talented playmaker must be thrown straight back into the mix.

"It's strange," he told Omnisport. "I've seen him for Dortmund in the Bundesliga in the last couple of seasons, he had a fantastic season last year, so for Mourinho to go off him after the derby was strange for me.

"He's somebody who needs an arm around the shoulder. He doesn't seem to get it from the manager so it'll be interesting to see how that develops.

"If you look at them going forward, there are a few problems in the team, scoring goals and creating chances. I think Mkhitaryan could be the player who makes a difference there."

Mkhitaryan has not even been included on the bench for United since recovering from his injury problem, but may be a part of the squad to face Burnley on Saturday.