In Manchester they are criticising Jose Mourinho for playing Mkhitaryan, rather than Henrikh for a poor performance, football commentator John Bradley says. In an interview with Armenian News-NEWS.am’s Vera Martirosyan, Mr. Bradley referred to performance of Henrikh Mkhitaryan and his position in Manchester United.
Mkhitaryan is the captain of Armenian national team. He is the most popular player not only in Armenia, but probably in all our region. He was the best player in Bundesliga last year, and his transfer to MU was a risk for a lot of his fans, because in England the football is different. What can you say about his game, during this 1-2 months, even though he is not playing a lot?
It is a big step for any player to come to the English Premier League from a foreign league and be an immediate success. Given the fact that Henrikh has also been carrying injury and starting from the bench for Manchester United, it has been difficult for him to make an impact. He has shown in flashes the ability and talent he has but he needs to play regularly for supporters to see the best of him.
After a match with Manchester City, Mourinho said that Mkhitaryan will not play against Feynord. And a day later reports came that MU will sign some new midfielders in winter. It's a fact that Mourinho is categorical. What does he want to say?
I have no doubt that Henrikh is a player that will stay for Manchester United for the next few seasons. It is worth remembering that following his move from Shakhtar Donetsk to Borussia Dortmund that he took time to adapt to the Bundesliga and to Germany, but Henrikh is a very intelligent young man who conducts himself both on and off the playing field. This will be a huge advantage to him as he adapts to life in England and the pace of the Premier League. Manchester United has far bigger areas they need to sort out problems in than Henrikh. In fact, given Wayne Rooney's poor start to the season it would not be a surprise to see Henrikh playing as the 'Number 10' for United in future. I think this is his best position and where we will see him do very well at Old Trafford
What does English media and fans say about Mkhitaryan?
Henrikh has been a popular and well known player in England for several seasons. Firstly, for his extraordinary form for Shakhtar. He then nearly joined Liverpool from there but decided to go to Dortmund, so supporters have been aware of his talents for some time. Of course, Henrikh didn't have the greatest game in the Manchester derby, but many people were aware he had been injured while playing for Armenia and Jose Mourinho was criticised for playing him, rather than Henrikh for a poor performance. Only today, Dietmar Hamann, the former Germany international, spoke of how Henrikh needs to be given time to settle in the Premier League. He described him as a special talent with the ability to change games. This is the perception of many in England about Henrikh. He took time to adapt in Germany and once he did, he became one of the best players in the league. I am sure he will do the same here.
Considering a big competition in the club, how big are his chances to take his place in the squad?
Henrikh has been bought by Manchester United to move the club forward. He is an important part of the squad and I believe he will be a regular starter. He is too talented to sit in the bench for long and once Jose Mourinho has sorted out the problems that currently afflict his team I am sure he will see Henrikh become an integral part of the team at Old Trafford.
