Since emerging as a possible target for The Red Devils, the name of Henrikh Mkhitaryan has been on everyone’s lips. Arsenal, along with a whole host of other top clubs aside, were also keen on the Armenian’s signature, but it seems as though the midfielder has got his wish, joining the side that he apparently favoured. Mkhitaryan has signed a four-year contract at Manchester United after a £26million deal was completed today.
It appears as though José Mourinho’s first priority is to build a formidable spine to the team he hopes will dazzle Old Trafford and spark a return to the glory years. Already looking increasingly likely to retain the services of David De Gea, the signing of centre-half Eric Bailly could easily emulate Kurt Zouma in his rapid rise to supremacy in the Premier League, while more recent acquisitions in the form of Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Zlatan Ibrahimovic create a fearsome line-up going forward.
As part of Dortmund’s attacking triumverate; which also included Marco Reus and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Mkhitaryan enjoyed a terrific season in the Bundesliga, and was also a key reason behind Dortmund’s progression to the Europa League quarter-final.
In 28 domestic starts, the tricky Armenian managed 11 goals and 15 assists, while in the Europa League, he hit the back of the net on two occasions and accumulated five further assists.
Clearly then, Mkhitaryan is at his best in and around the edge of the penalty area, using his fabulous vision and inventive passing to pick out a team-mate. With Anthony Martial scything in from the left, and Marcus Rashford and Zlatan making intelligent darts in central areas, the former Dortmund man will be spoiled for choice. He could well grow into a serious force for Manchester United, and be looked upon by the opposition as the crucial man to stop.
Let us know your thoughts on this signing in the comments section below. Will he be a success for United in the Premier League, and in what system would he be best suited? Here is how Twitter reacted to the news:
From almost all football fans, Mkhitaryan’s arrival at Old Trafford was met with genuine admiration:
https://twitter.com/Chrisslinnell/status/750715246524891136
https://twitter.com/omareft/status/750715384400084992
https://twitter.com/DesertRaja/status/750715494253158400
https://twitter.com/WLodge_39/status/750715315823185925
https://twitter.com/LFCZA/status/750715243974852608
Especially considering the club aren’t even in the Champions League…
https://twitter.com/Jonzey_eVo/status/750715654697807872
https://twitter.com/PiusZlatan/status/750714662862331904
https://twitter.com/UnitedStandMUFC/status/750710964241260544
United fans salivated at the thought of next season’s attacking line-up…
https://twitter.com/JalalAK_jojo/status/750714736950571009
https://twitter.com/MayowaBanjo/status/750714752280694784
https://twitter.com/goodchancemuck/status/750714820484300800
https://twitter.com/omareft/status/750715384400084992
Meanwhile, rival fans (seemingly all of whom were Arsenal supporters) bemoaned their own side’s lack of activity…
https://twitter.com/IrieLionMitch/status/750715417862082560
https://twitter.com/BoratsBlackTwin/status/750715493976117248
https://twitter.com/TPELL10/status/750715110704943104
The statistics surrounding United’s summer business are nothing short of remarkable…
And, in case you don’t know, here is how we pronounce his name…
https://twitter.com/TransferRelated/status/750700202357645312
Featured Image: All rights reserved by ine wstyles
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