Had Mkhitaryan been given more playing time from the start of the season, maybe he wouldn't have been so out of his depth against City. The Rooney fan club will be quick to mention the goal and two assists that the captain has claimed in the Premier League this season, and that shouldn't be ignored. Even if he's been fairly useless for most of the time he's been on the pitch, he's pulled off moments of brilliance.
Still, the odd assist doesn't make amends for how wasteful he is with possession. The amount of attacking moves that break down when he receives the ball should not be tolerated. There are several players in the squad, Mkhitaryan included, who could assist goals, and do so without giving the ball away so regularly. Rooney has been left out of United's Europa League team for their first game, with Mourinho eager to give the captain a rest.