Van Gaal Doubted Mkhitaryan’s Premier League Suitability
REUTERS/Michael Dalder
Henrikh Mkhitaryan has only made 5 appearances for Manchester United under Jose Mourinho this season, due to injury problems, and his slow transition to Premier League football.
Reports claim that Louis Van Gaal had the chance to sign Henrikh Mkhitaryan while he was in charge of the Red Devils, however, he never made a move because he assumed that the player would not be able to cope with the physicality of the Premier League.
However, Henrikh Mkhitaryan was one of the first signings under the Jose Mourinho era, with the club cashing out close to £30 million to pry him away from Dortmund.
Mkhitaryan was expected to light up Old Trafford with his quick and tenacious style of play, but he has failed to hit the mark, and hasn’t featured under Jose Mourinho for over a month.
Also See:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vr1KfauUMm8&t=2s
He made his professional debut for Manchester United during a 2-1 FA Community Shield win over reigning Premier League Champions, Leicester City.
Mourinho is yet to play the Armenian in a full match, with most of his appearances coming off the bench.
During early September, Mkhitaryan sustained a thigh injury while on international duty, however, Jose Mourinho decided to start him during the Manchester Derby that followed a few days later.
But the playmaker failed to make any significant impact during the match, and was subsequently substituted off at half-time.
Reuters / Carl Recine
The Armenian International was believed to be fully fit and available for selection during Manchester United’s last 3 matches (against Liverpool, Fenerbahce, and Chelsea), but it seems Jose Mourinho is still trying to allow the player to adapt to the physicality of the Premier League.
Mkhitaryan impressed at Dortmund last season, and was even voted as Bundesliga’s player of the season for the 2015/16 season.
Jose Mourinho is expected to start the 27-year-old on Wednesday, as Manchester United face their cross-town neighbours for the second time this season, in the EFL Cup.
Follow us on Twitter and Like us on Facebook