Tag Archives: henrikh mkhitaryan

Manchester United were the highest spenders in the Premier League last summer but Jose Mourinho’s side are still short of competing for the major honours, having spent the majority of the campaign in sixth position.

Arsenal’s decline has seen the Red Devils rise to fifth, four points behind Liverpool with two games in hand, but Manchester United will be aiming for bigger and better things next season; as they eye a push for league glory and look to mount a challenge in the Champions League.

To achieve those goals, Mourinho will have to spend heavily to improve the squad once again this summer and there’s likely to be a host of holes in the squad that need filling- as the likes of Wayne Rooney, Luke Shaw and Michael Carrick are all likely to leave Old Trafford.

United have cash in abundance though and spending cash won’t be an issue for the Red Devils though and this potential XI looks phenomenal.

Manchester United cruised through to the last 8 of the Europa League on Thursday night with a 1-0 away win against St. Etienne ensuring they won 4-0 on aggregate. However it wasn’t all good news for United.

The gap in quality between the two sides was obvious and Henrikh Mkhitaryan was one player whose performance helped highlight the quality difference between the two sides. His goal was the only goal of the game and he scored it early to settle any nerves United may have had.

However the night ended early for Henrikh and on a sour note with Mkhitaryan going off injured in the 24th minute, the extent to his injury has not been revealed yet, but given his recent form the fans will be hoping it is nothing serious.

He only managed to make 11 touches during his time on the pitch and made 1 shot, which crucially hit the back of the net.

Aside from the goal, he didn’t look great before going off injured and that has led many to question whether he may have been carrying an injury before the game started. So is Mourinho to blame for his injury? Why did Jose potentially risk his fitness when the team had all but certainly advanced to the next round already thanks to their 3-0 first leg win. With the EFL Cup final coming up at the weekend, it makes the decision even more bemusing. Mourinho has also said that Carrick has no chance of playing in the EFL Cup final - so why did he feature vs. Saint-Etienne? It is obvious how important Carrick is to making United tick - so it is ridiculous to risk him just days before a final.

Here’s how some fans reacted to the midfielder’s performance and his injury.

Jose Mourinho: Michael Carrick and Henrikh Mkhitaryan have 'no chance' of making EFL Cup final https://t.co/SThEk2EFVM via @IBTimesUK

— Rachel Middleton (@NewswithRachel) February 24, 2017

We'll miss Mkhitaryan in the finals.
In fact, we'll lose now. Mkhitaryan is our best player by far.

— John Raphael (@RaphaelJohn13) February 22, 2017

@ManUtd Mkhitaryan should never have started this game. What's the point starting your best player when you 3-0 up

— Osaide Andy (@andrew2180) February 22, 2017

 

Mkhitaryan for £27mil was a bargain in today's market😍

— Matty💯 (@Matty_xix) February 23, 2017

Not happy that Mkhitaryan is injured for League Cup final - possibly our best player? If not, only behind Zlatan. Tremendous footballer.

— Andrew J. Stewart (@realAndyStewart) February 23, 2017

United have been drawn Rostov in the last 16 and Mourinho will surely be confident of advancing to the last 8 of the competition considering that draw.

Despite their terrible start to the Premier League under Mourinho, the team have a serious chance of winning 3 trophies this season under Mourinho - the EFL Cup, Europa League and the FA Cup. If Mourinho manages to land two of those trophies and finish in the top four then it would surely be a successful debut season for him at United.

With both Carrick and Mkhitaryan out of the final at the weekend, Manchester United’s chances of winning have surely fallen significantly. Should United’s midfield put in a lacklustre display in the final then there is only one man to blame…

These are Fresh Football’s player ratings for the game in between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.

Manchester United

David De Gea - 7

The Spaniard made some good, if uncomplicated saves to keep Man United’s register clean throughout the game.

Antonio Valencia - 6.5

Maintained a solid display from start to finish, entering in interesting disputes with Danny Rose out on United’s right flank.

Phil Jones - 7.5

The former Blackburn Rovers man continues to offer José Mourinho food for thought with yet another impressive performance, this time marking Harry Kane out of the game.

Marcos Rojo - 7

Solid once more, accommodating Jones from a technical aspect at the heart of defence. Rojo has been given lots of praise from the fans, see some reaction here.

Matteo Darmian - 6

The Italian had his hands full with both Kyle Walker, Son Heung-Min and later Moussa Sissoko bombarding his flank, but Darmian didn’t let his side down.

Michael Carrick - 6.5

At the base of United’s midfield, Carrick was on hand keep things compact, evade Spurs’ habitual high press and set purposeful counters.

Ander Herrera - 6

Combative in midfield, priceless in supporting Carrick up against the likes of Vincent Wanyama, Mousa Dembélé and Dele Alli.

Paul Pogba - 7

Among his best performances in a United shirt, the Frenchman took full advantage of the space beyond him in an open second half, threatening Spurs in a number of attacks and leaving his compatriot, Hugo Lloris, stunned when smashing the post from a dangerous free-kick. Better.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan - 8

Another man of the match performance from the Armenian, the man to break the deadlock with an emphatic finish in the first half. Mkhitaryan served as the main outlet in spearheading counter-attacks.

Anthony Martial - 5

Very passive and unsupportive of his full back partner, Darmian. The weak link in United’s side.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic - 6.5

Far from being the main threat, but the spaces occupied by Ibrahimovic proved to be incredibly beneficial in confusing a high defensive line from Spurs.

Subs

Marcus Rashford - 5

There was nothing of note in the final third from the young Englishman, but his mere presence and fresh legs was enough to dampen Kyle Walker’s appetite to roam forwards.

Eric Bailly - N/A

Marouane Fellaini - N/A

Tottenham Hotspur

Hugo Lloris - 6.5

Kept Spurs’ hopes of taking something from the game alive with a couple of good saves from Pogba and Ibrahimovic efforts.

Kyle Walker - 6

Often supportive high up on the right flank, but didn’t quite find the openings that have so often seen him inflict damage in Mauricio Pochettino’s set-up.

Toby Alderweireld - 6

A little rusty and limited further by United’s tactical approach to prevent him from playing the ball out from the back, but the Belgian was generally okay.

Jan Vertonghen - 5

Never quite managed to patch up the gap between him and Danny Rose, exposed fully by Mkhitaryan on his way smashing in the game’s only goal.

Danny Rose - 5.5

Lively as always, but second best up against Mkhitaryan and Valencia.

Victor Wanyama - 5

Missed a very good chance to equalise in the second half with a tame and inaccurate header, whereas the Kenyan, moreover, was an unnecessary quantity in midfield in Spurs’ search for an equaliser.

Mousa Dembélé - 5.5

Never quite got ahold of the game as he usually does, to Spurs’ detriment.

Son Heung-Min - 5.5

Appeared the most likely player in the first half to bring Spurs level, testing De Gea from range on a couple of occasions, but the South Korean was sacrificed for Pochettino’s tactical switch early in the second period.

Dele Alli - 4.5

Failed to link the midfield to a stranded Harry Kane in a toothless performance from the young Englishman. Tottenham fans aren’t happy with his performance, see some reaction here.

Christian Eriksen - 5

Always a threat from a set-piece, that’s almost a given, but Eriksen continued to be somewhat uninspired as one of Spurs’ chief creatives.

Harry Kane - 4.5

Buried in United bodies and culpable in Mkhitaryan’s goal, giving the ball away prior to the hosts’ quick counter.

Subs

Moussa Sissoko - 5

Came on to take full advantage of Martial’s flawed back-tracking, but the Frenchman lacked a little finesse in his thought process to ever hurt the Red Devils.

Harry Winks - N/A

Georges Nkoudou - N/A

Manchester United qualified for the Europa League next stage with a fairly comfortable 2-0 away win against Zorya Luhansk. Although it was a fairly good performance from Jose Mourinho’s men, they will be disappointed as despite the 3 points, they finished 2nd in the group because Fenerbahce beat Feyenoord in the other match in the group.

These are Fresh Football’s ratings for Manchester United’s Europa League clash away to Zorya Luhansk.

Manchester United

Sergio Romero - 5

A comfortable night for Man United’s number two between the sticks, with the Argentine pulling off a decent save when required in the 72nd minute to prevent a Zorya equaliser.

Ashley Young - 5

No fireworks, but Young was able to do a job without any flagrant complaints. Kept himself in Mourinho’s plans by again showing versatility, this time at right back.

Eric Bailly - 7

A big display from Bailly, steadily returning to full fitness. The ex-Villarreal man swept up much of what was played in and around of United’s defence, providing a fair share of crucial interceptions in the meantime.

Marcos Rojo - 6

Comfortable in possession and helpful in recycling possession. Had little to do with regards to defending, however.

Daley Blind - 5

A quiet one from Blind, but solid nonetheless.

Ander Herrera - 6.5

Alongside Bailly, Herrera proved to be pivotal in pressing higher up and ensuring that the Red Devils recouped possession as soon as possible.

Paul Pogba - 4.5

Pogba was one of the few to try and speed up proceedings within the visitors’ large spells of possession, but his general execution of passes/shots from range left a lot to be desired.

Juan Mata - 6

The Spaniard has been among the most impressive for United this season and today, albeit throughout lacklustre spells, the former Chelsea midfielder stood out again before being replaced by Jesse Lingard.

Wayne Rooney - 3

A no-show from the United captain on the night. Passes going astray, poor control…forgetful. Does he warrant a place in the starting eleven at the moment? Not based on this performance.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan - 6.5

The goalscorer of the well-taken first goal prior to dazzling the Zorya defence with individual some brilliance. Mkhitaryan continues to impress in a United shirt since he was finally selected by Jose.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic - 5

A bit hit and miss, but the Swede began to grow into the game once Rooney was taken off, freeing up his habitual radius of action. Ibrahimovic was on hand to kill the game off late on with United’s second goal.

Subs

Jesse Lingard - 4

The winger was able to quicken play up, but made his fair share of poor choices in the final third.

Marouane Fellaini - N/A

Timothy Fosu-Mensah - N/A

With Manchester United playing so poorly, many are wondering why Henrikh Mkhitaryan has not been playing for the team more.

The Armenian cost the club more than £20million, and was deemed a bargain at the time considering he was named Bundesliga Player of the Season last year - ahead of the likes of Manuel Neuer, Robert Lewandowski, David Alaba and Aubameyang. His talent was there for all to see last season, with the playmaker managing double figures in both Bundesliga goals and assists. But Mourinho thinks he isn’t good enough for the club yet…

“He has to do more. It’s as simple as that. We have big expectations in the club,” Mourinho said, when asked about Mkhitaryan.

Big expectations? Fair. But a lot of the players are not living up to those expectations and I think it is unfair to single out this new signing for criticism - he’s barely had a chance.

“We have big expectations at this club, lots of players for these positions and he has to play better than Mata, Lingard, Martial – he has to play better than them. It’s as simple as that.” Mourinho continued.

Are those three players playing well? Mata has had some good games this season but you cannot say that the other two have been playing at a high level.

“Every manager wants to win matches, every manager in the world wants to play the players that he thinks can help the team more, and I’m no different.”

It’s a fair comment of course, but not in regards to Mkhitaryan. The midfielder was given 29 minutes in the Fenerbahce 2-1 loss, and in that time Manchester United managed to get a goal back. But he hasn’t had a real chance, with just 1 Premier League start and 3 sub apps - tonight was his first Europa League appearance.

On the other side of things - the likes of Paul Pogba are given chance after chance, without doing anything special and Mourinho has never uttered a bad word about him. At the end of the day Mourinho decided to sign Pogba and Mkhitaryan - but he’s treating one too nicely and one horribly - surely something is going on behind the scenes for this to happen?

Manchester United need productivity and Mkhitaryan is a specialist in that. Last season he created and scored goals for fun - surely Mourinho needs to give him more time in the starting eleven to adjust to the team and English football?

United fans - what do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

 

 

Manchester United could not beat Burnley at home on Saturday afternoon in what was a game they simply had to win with rivals Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal extending their lead at the top of the table.

Poor finishing was surely the root problem for United, but there was also big problems in midfield. Interestingly, a player that is good at both creating and scoring goals is one of the clubs summer signings: Henrikh Mkhitaryan. Despite being fit, the Armenian was once again left out of the teams matchday squad. His only Premier League start in a United shirt to date was against Manchester City towards the start of the season. Of course United were terrible in that game and to be fair to Mourinho, so was Mkhitaryan. He was hooked off at half time and we haven’t seen him since - but it seems a bit harsh to so severly punish him when players like Wayne Rooney and Jese Lingard continue to be forgiven for below par performances.

Earlier this week, we brought you the news that Mkhitaryan had reportedly turned down Arsenal in favour of joining Manchester United, mainly because he thought he’d play more at United. That certainly hasn’t been the case. After Mkhitaryan was not named in the league cup squad to play Manchester City, Mourinho assured fans that the player was 100% fit, just not selected. With a home game against Burnley coming up, surely that was viewed as a good oppurtunity to bed him in? Nope. The Armenian was once again ignored and didn’t make the squad - yet United once again couldn’t score.

Mkhitaryan was one of Europe’s most effective players in the final third last season, he scored more than 20 goals in all comps and assisted more than 20 goals in all comps, yet a blunt a lifeless United team don’t need him, according to Mourinho? Something must be going on behind the scenes. The club wouldn’t agree to pay over £20million and more than £200,000 per week to a player that was going to not even make the matchday squad.

Here’s what the fans are saying about Mkhitaryan’s situation.

I am locked in basement at Old Trafford.@evilkagawa warn me about this

— Evil Mkhitaryan (@evilhenrikh) October 29, 2016

Carrick, Schneiderlin and Fellaini bench options v Burnley but a 100% fit Mkhitaryan isn’t? Something’s up there, whatever nonsense Mou says

— Alex Shaw (@AlexShawESPN) October 29, 2016

Man Utd could do with a player of Mkhitaryan’s creative quality, I’d say.

— Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) October 29, 2016

How on earth is Mkhitaryan ever going to adapt to English football if he doesn’t even get a place on the bench? Mourinho’s weird.

— Alex Shaw (@AlexShawESPN) October 29, 2016

Mad how Mourinho signed Mkhitaryan, one of the best players in Europe last season, and he doesn’t even make the United bench. Total waste.

— Joel Rabinowitz (@joel_archie) October 29, 2016

When asked about the issue Mourinho suggested that the player needs time to adapt, just like Willian (at Chelsea) and Di Maria (at Real Madrid) did. It’s hard to see him adapting any time soon with Mourinho not willing to put him into a squad is underperforming and not even able to beat Burnley at home. Surely he’s at least worth having on the bench in situations like yesterday? I can’t help but feel something is going on behind the scenes.

The case of Henrikh Mkhitaryan gets stranger and stranger. A player signed for a considerable £26m over the summer by Jose Mourinho has been more or less frozen out of the first team picture this season.

Former Borussia Dortmund man Mkhitaryan has started just once this season for the Red Devils this term, and that only lasted 45 minutes as the Armenian international was taken off at half-time after a below-par first half performance. Mkhitaryan has not featured for United since.

Jose Mourinho has insisted that the 27-year-old has no injuries and is fully fit, and Mkhitaryan would have no doubt been surprised not to be have been included in the starting lineups for the games against Fenerbache and perhaps Manchester City as Mourinho looked to chop and change in the different cup competitions.

However, Mkhitaryan could have in fact joined Premier League rivals Arsenal over the summer according to the Daily Mail. Maybe if he had joined Arsene Wenger’s side, things might have turned out differently in Mkhitaryan’s debut Premier League season.

Arsenal were in line to sign the Armenian from Borussia Dortmund for around £16m, but United came in with a bid of £26.3m, making Mkhitaryan the latest player that Arsenal have missed out on as a result of being outbid by rival clubs. Something that Arsenal fans will be far from delighted about.

But would things have been different at Arsenal? Theo Walcott has been in good form recently for Arsenal playing on the right, but it is more than likely that Mkhitaryan would have started over the England international should he have completed a move to North London over the summer.

It is clear that Mkhitaryan has the talent and the potential to succeed in the Premier League. The United player managed a solid 11 goals in the Bundesliga last season. In addition to this, he chipped in with a further eleven assists. The 27-year-old has shown his creative talent in the Bundesliga over the years, especially last season. He created 82 chances for his teammates and made 67 key passes in 31 league games last term.

The stats show that Mkhitaryan certainly has the creativity to warrant the £26m transfer fee that he moved to Manchester United for over the summer transfer window. However, for whatever reason, he has been frozen out of the first team picture for a large part of this season.

So what should the United winger do next? Mourinho has said that he is confident that Mkhitaryan will succeed in the Premier League for Manchester United, so at some point will surely give him an extended run in the first team. The former Dortmund man can do one of two things. He can either work his hardest in training and wait for his run in the first team, or he can try and force through a January transfer window move away from United. I am sure that clubs will be queuing up for a player of his quality should he become available.

Few have been the times that these two colossal clubs of English football have come into a clash with lofty ambitions as of late, as Liverpool welcome Manchester United to the newly-renovated Anfield stadium on Monday night.

The Jürgen Klopp project and it’s suffocating press system has begun gaining some notable traction in the Premier League, in particularly in big games, whereas Man United and their array of expensive talent look to force their way back into prominence under new boss José Mourinho.

The match-up promises plenty, and in its lead-up, Fresh Football has sought to bring you a combined XI. Here’s how we’d line-up:

GK: David De Gea (Manchester United)

There won’t be many more straightforward choices to be made than including David De Gea, one of the best shot-stoppers in the world and, arguably, the main man between the sticks in Premier League football. Even if we weren’t to see him in such light, Simon Mignolet’s shaky past and new boy Loris Karius don’t offer us any great alternatives from Liverpool’s end.

RB: Nathaniel Clyne (Liverpool)

Nathaniel Clyne’s Man United counterpart, Antonio Valencia, has gained his fair share of plaudits so far this season from a right back position, but his systematic nature in the final third, particularly his over-hit crosses, raises a few question marks. Meanwhile Clyne’s associative play makes him our preferred option, we’re not even sure Valencia, despite good form, is the best right back at his own club.

CB: Eric Bailly (Manchester United)

Among the trickiest of introductions to this combined XI is Eric Bailly, simply because Joël Matip has excelled so much in his short time in the Premier League as well. Whereas the latter might be better at reading the game, we think Bailly’s physicality, especially once his aggression is more refined, sees the Ivorian pip the ex-Schalke man.

CB: Chris Smalling (Manchester United)

As someone who can blend his ability to read the game, bring the ball out from defence and impose himself physically upon attackers, Smalling’s addition is a no-brainer. On his day, he’s one of the very best centre backs in the Premier League.

LB: Luke Shaw (Manchester United)

Alberto Moreno came to mind, who, based on his Liverpool career thus far, is enough to hand the left back slot to just about anyone else. Such is his unreliability that Klopp has chosen to deploy James Milner at left back, a successful invention in the meantime, but we’d prefer to go down the old-fashioned route and opt for a natural left back. It’s also Luke Shaw, by the way, so we’re in good hands.

CM: Daley Blind (Manchester United)

We’re striving for a team that makes sense, here, which in turn sees us scramble a little for a convincing midfielder to play deep in this combined XI. Although talented, Emre Can’s yet to leave his definitive stamp at Anfield, whereas his teammate, Jordan Henderson, is more box-to-box than deep-lying. The same goes for Ander Herrera at United, who’s come into the fold ahead of Michael Carrick and Bastian Schweinsteiger. We’re trusting the versatility of Daley Blind on this one, who’s put in exemplary displays at left back and centre back in the past.

CM: Paul Pogba (Manchester United)

He’s been fairly underwhelming since his blockbuster transfer from Juventus this summer, but it’d take a brave man to overlook his talent in order to shut him out of this combined XI. We wouldn’t dare.

RM: Sadio Mané (Liverpool)

At last, some more Merseyside-based presence, and it goes to their new acquisition. Many an eyebrow was raised at the £34 million price tag of Sadio Mané when joining from Southampton, but the Senegalese winger has been quick to allay any fears and become an instant hit at Anfield. The 24-year-old provides a constant threat with his movement in behind, whereas his trickery and pace make him a real handful across the attacking third.

AM: Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool)

The Brazilian can offer the odd irritation with his relentless attempts at goal from range, but when it works, there’s little left to do but admire. Coutinho’s general low centre of gravity coupled with his dribbling ability and flair are the real reasons why we think he’s best suited to the free role in attacking midfield, however.

LM: Henrikh Mkhitaryan (Manchester United)

Up against the likes of Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial, our preference is to go with Henrikh Mkhitaryan on this one. Being quick on the turn, the Armenian is lethal in transition, just as he was in his storming 2015/16 season with Borussia Dortmund prior to his transfer to Manchester United. We’re yet to see the versatile wide man exemplify the same prowess at Old Trafford, but should he be given the chance, it’d be no surprise to see him star.

ST: Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Manchester United)

Even with Rashford and Martial in the equation, Daniel Sturridge might well serve as the biggest opposition to Zlatan Ibrahimovic at striker. With both representing different profiles of strikers, this one comes down to consistency, and almost by default, Sturridge’s injury prone history and mix-and-match attendance when fit under Klopp sees Ibrahimovic pip him. Additionally, the Swede’s hold-up play and playmaking ability is quite the sight when coupled with aforementioned runners in the attacking third.

Manchester United have had a busy summer. First Jose Mourinho came in and then he started making big waves in the transfer market. Many thought that without Champions League football, Jose would struggle to convince the very best players to join the club, but those who thought that couldn’t be more wrong. Here’s the four signings he’s made and how good a signing we think they are.

1 - Eric Bailly

When Bailly signed you would’ve forgiven many Manchester United fans for not really knowing who he was. Many raised eyebrows at the £30million fee for a 22-year-old defender that had so far failed to make a name for himself. The early signs are that under Mourinho he will make a name for himself and he will justify that transfer fee. In the clubs opening three Premier League games he has been extremely composed on the ball, mature and strong in possession. He looks like an established Premier League defender already, but he’s only 22 and has played just four games in English football. It’s too early to say that Bailly will be definitely worth the money United have paid, but on the evidence that we have, it looks a good signing from Jose.

Fee: £30million
Grade: 8/10

New Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho certainly expects to have a busy summer and is close to securing two deals by the end of the week, with a third target identified which could be one of the biggest transfers in Footballing history.

1 - Zlatan Ibrahimovic

According to Sky Sports, Zlatan Ibrahimovic will complete his long-anticipated move to Manchester United by the end of the week.

The 34-year-old Swedish international is set to be Mourinho’s second summer signing after agreeing a one-year contract with the prolific goal-scorer.

Ibrahimovic will join Manchester United for free after letting his current deal expire with Paris St-Germain.

 

United fans should count themselves lucky, they’re signing one of the best ever strikers and a player who is only getting better with age, he was top scorer in France’s Ligue 1 last term with 38 goals but did fail to provide a single goal in Sweden’s disappointing Euro’s campaign.

Sky Sports understand Ibrahimovic will have a medical in the next week and United have no concerns as the 34-year-old is said to be in excellent condition.

Ibrahimovic will bring something special to United; he is one of the world’s best and will guarantee them at least 20 goals next season. The goal scoring machine can play as target man and can create chances himself; he can dominate any defender in the box and will bring a real fear back to Manchester United.

The veteran striker scored 1.34 goals per 90 minutes last season which is utterly flawless, a stat like this just shows why he is mentioned among the likes of Karim Benzema and Robert Lewandowski. Ibrahimovic can also create chances for his teammates; he managed 1.59 per 90 last season which led to him bagging himself 0.46 assists.

Ibrahimovic, if all goes well will link up with Jose Mourinho for a second time in his career having been managed by the “special one” during their time together at Inter Milan. United are bagging themselves a bargain, getting a player for free of his ability is incredible business. He can be seen as a mentor for the younger strikers coming through and will certainly push United on for the title next season.

Arsenal have been dealt a blow in the transfer market after one of their main targets for the summer has said he would like to move to Manchester United this summer.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan was thought to be a serious target for Arsenal but the Gunners appear to be the Armenian’s second choice following recent comments from his agent Mino Raiola. Raiola said that his client was ‘pushing for a move to Manchester United this month’ after the player refused to sign a contract extension at the German club.

Mkhitaryan’s current deal expires in 2017 and Dortmund are insistent that they would like to keep hold of the creative midfielder until his contract expires. The player has different ideas and is now pushing for a move this month with Arsenal and Manchester United both willing to pay €30million, an amount likely to persuade Dortmund into selling this summer rather than lose him for nothing in 12 months time.

If Manchester United and Raiola manage to push through a deal then Jose Mourinho would be getting a player that can score and assist regularly. The 27-year-old has spent most of his career playing in a number 10 role but he has excelled in wide areas under Tomas Tuchel in Germany. Predominantly playing from the right-wing, Mkhitaryan scored 11 and assisted 15 goals in 31 Bundesliga games last season.

Jese Lingard was Manchester United’s winger for much of last season but looking at the stats he is nowhere near the level of Mkhitaryan. The Dortmund midfielder made 2.32 key passes per 90 compared to Lingard’s 0.72. He also scored 0.38 goals, Lingard managed just 0.22. Mkhitaryan also uses his pace and guile to his advantage making 2.94 successful take ons per 90 minutes, Lingard struggles in this department managing just 1.16. One area Lingard does stand above Mkhitaryan is pass completion, completing 85% of his passes, 10% more than the Dortmund man. This won’t bother Mourinho much though, as his tactics are rarely based around possession. Mourinho cares more about efficiency than keeping the ball and Mkhitaryan is exactly that, making him perfectly suited to the right-hand side of Mourinho’s new look midfield. His pace also makes him a quality outlet for counter-attacks.

Arsenal may now turn their attention to the signing of Leicester City’s Riyad Mahrez. Arsenal were thought to favour a move for Mkhitaryan, but if he does opt to join Mourinho’s men then 25-year-old Mahrez is a quality ready made alternative. Nobody who watched Premier League football needs to be told of Mahrez’ quality. The Algerian scored an incredible 17 league goals from the wing and made a further 11 assists. Arsenal are clearly searching for an efficient winger and Mahrez is a great alternative to Mkhitaryan.

Any deal for Mahrez, Mkhitaryan or any new winger for Arsenal may hinge on the possible departures of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Theo Walcott. It is likely at least one of those would have to leave before any new players come in, although the English duo are both thought to be happy at the club, despite the lack of first team football currently.

Arsenal remain hopeful of signing Mahrez’ teammate Jamie Vardy, who is set to make his decision at the end of June after England’s participation at Euro 2016 is over.