The name Henrikh Mkhitaryan might not immediately evoke the same level of excitement as the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi, but for Manchester United fans, his arrival in 2016 brought a wave of optimism and hope. He was touted as the missing piece in the puzzle, a creative midfielder capable of unlocking the potential of a team that had struggled to consistently challenge for top honors.
However, Mkhitaryan’s time at Old Trafford was a tale of two halves, marked by both moments of brilliance and periods of frustration. His arrival coincided with the dawn of Jose Mourinho’s reign, and while the Portuguese manager initially praised the Armenian’s talents, their relationship soon soured. This article explores the impact of Mkhitaryan on Manchester United, his undeniable skill set, and the reasons behind his eventual departure.
A Glimpse of Potential: Early Days at Old Trafford
Mkhitaryan’s arrival at Manchester United was met with much fanfare. He had just enjoyed a phenomenal season with Borussia Dortmund, scoring 11 goals and providing 15 assists in the Bundesliga. His ability to orchestrate attacks, create chances, and finish with finesse made him a coveted asset in European football.
“Mkhitaryan is a player with incredible technical ability and vision. He can unlock defenses with his passes and create goalscoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.” – Sir Alex Ferguson, former Manchester United manager.
His early performances at Old Trafford showcased his class. He provided assists with ease, showcasing his creative flair and understanding of the game. His goal against Zorya Luhansk in the Europa League, a stunning volley from outside the box, was a testament to his technical brilliance.
The Jose Mourinho Factor: A Tumultuous Relationship
However, Mkhitaryan’s time at Manchester United was not without its challenges. Mourinho’s arrival brought a change in style and tactics. Mkhitaryan, who thrived in a more fluid and attacking system, struggled to adapt to Mourinho’s more pragmatic approach.
“He needs to adapt to my philosophy, to the intensity that we demand from every player. He needs to understand the dynamics of the team, the way we play, the way we defend, the way we attack.” – Jose Mourinho, former Manchester United manager.
The clash of styles, coupled with Mourinho’s demanding personality, led to a tense relationship. Mkhitaryan was often criticized for his lack of physicality and his struggles to adapt to Mourinho’s system. His playing time became increasingly limited, and he was eventually dropped from the first team altogether.
A Resurgence in Arsenal: Redefining His Legacy
In January 2018, Mkhitaryan was surprisingly included in a swap deal that saw Alexis Sanchez join Manchester United. This move marked a turning point in his career. Under the tutelage of Arsene Wenger, he rediscovered his confidence and creativity.
“Mkhitaryan is a quality player. He has good technique, he can create chances, and he is a good finisher. I think he will do well at Arsenal.” – Arsene Wenger, former Arsenal manager.
He thrived in Arsenal’s more expansive style, playing a crucial role in their FA Cup victory in 2018. His performances were consistent, showcasing his range of skills and his ability to contribute in different ways.
Manchester United’s Loss, Arsenal’s Gain: Mkhitaryan’s Impact
Despite his struggles at Manchester United, Mkhitaryan proved himself to be a capable player. His time at Arsenal showed that he was still capable of playing at the highest level. His departure from Old Trafford was a loss for Manchester United, who missed out on a player with the potential to be a game-changer.
Mkhitaryan’s impact on Manchester United can be summarized as follows:
- Initial excitement: He arrived with a lot of hype and showed glimpses of his potential.
- Clash of styles: He struggled to adapt to Mourinho’s tactics and philosophy.
- Unfulfilled potential: His time at Old Trafford was ultimately a disappointment, but his performance at Arsenal proved he was a talented player.
The Legacy of a Skillful Midfielder
Mkhitaryan’s time at Manchester United may not be remembered fondly by some, but it was a significant chapter in his career. He showed his ability to perform at a high level, even if his time at Old Trafford was disrupted by a difficult relationship with his manager. His legacy lies in his undeniable skills and his ability to shine when given the right platform and the right system.
He was a reminder that talent alone is not enough; it needs to be nurtured and utilized effectively to reach its full potential. Mkhitaryan’s story is a cautionary tale for both players and managers, highlighting the importance of creating an environment where players can flourish and contribute to the success of the team.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Why did Henrikh Mkhitaryan struggle at Manchester United?
Mkhitaryan struggled to adapt to Mourinho’s tactics and his demanding management style. His preferred style of play, which involved creativity and fluidity, clashed with Mourinho’s more pragmatic approach.
2. Did Henrikh Mkhitaryan ever win any trophies at Manchester United?
No, he did not win any trophies with Manchester United. He only made a handful of appearances in the Premier League and the FA Cup before leaving for Arsenal in January 2018.
3. What happened to Henrikh Mkhitaryan after leaving Manchester United?
After leaving Manchester United, Mkhitaryan joined Arsenal in a swap deal for Alexis Sanchez. He thrived at Arsenal, playing a key role in their FA Cup victory in 2018, before moving on to Roma.
4. Is Henrikh Mkhitaryan still playing professional football?
Yes, Henrikh Mkhitaryan is still playing professional football. He currently plays for Inter Milan in Serie A.
5. What is Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s greatest achievement in football?
Henrikh Mkhitaryan has won many individual and team awards throughout his career. One of his greatest achievements is winning the FA Cup with Arsenal in 2018.