Jose Mourinho dedicated his Manchester United'swin over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday to criticised midfielder Marouane Fellaini, while confirming Henrikh Mkhitaryan's injury is not serious.
The Belgium midfielder has come under fire after appearing as a substitute during United's 1-1 draw with Everton last week, giving away a penalty in the final minutes of the game. Fellaini was booed by sections of Old Trafford when he jogged along the touchline during hiswarm-up on Sunday, while his introduction in the final few minutes was also greeted with a mixed reception.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan's first Premier League goal was enough for victory for the Red Devils, who cut the gap between themselves and Spursto three points. Speaking toSky Sportsafter the game, Mourinho made it clear he values midfielder Fellaini, dedicating the win to the midfielder.
"I want to dedicate this victory to Fellaini because he deserves it," he said.
"In the last match, it was him that was involved in the loss of two points, and that's why I want to make it clear he is an important player for me.
"The fans can do what they want and they have been phenomenal with us. I just have to thank them for everything they are giving us, especially in the period where we are not giving them too much so I am really happy with them."
Jose Mourinho has a positive update on Henrikh Mkhitaryan's injury: https://t.co/MY1WcD4G6I #MUFC pic.twitter.com/kcQqIeAiDq
Mourinho also confirmed Mkhitaryan's injury is not as serious as initially feared.
"We don't think it is a serious injury," Mourinho toldSky Sports News HQ.
"He can't play but he will only be missing for about a week or so.
"We were worried (when he went down injured) but it doesn't look like it will be a bad one."
With United consistently conceding in the late stages of games in recent weeks, Mourinho was pleased to see his side close out the win over a lacklustre Spurs side.
"These three points are magic especially because it is against a very good team which means even more for us.
"We are happy with the evolution of the team and we are pleased with what they are doing. We played very well again against a very good team so it was more difficult and we played very well.
"We don't deserve to spend the last 10/15 minutes with our heart in our hands because we did enough to score the second goal and kill the game, but once more, the post, Hugo Lloris and just 1-0 but it is more than 1-0, for us it is magic because we needed these three points."