José Mourinho is a man on a mission at Manchester United. Having being sacked for the second time by Roman Abramovich last season, the Special One has a lot to prove and he knows he needs to create a formidable empire at Old Trafford to regain his respect and status as one of the top managers in the game in the current scenario.

Before taking up the managerial hot seat at United, Mourinho clearly specified that he had 4 main transfer targets, which he wanted the board to negotiate before the season begins. As a result, Armenian international Henrikh Mkhitaryan, one of those 4 key targets, became Mourinho’s third signing for Manchester United, after Eric Bailly and Zlatan Ibrahimovic were signed in his first week.

What United Are Getting:

A marquee signing in every sense of the word, Manchester United fans are understandably excited with their new attacking midfielder. Mkhitaryan is the complete attacking midfielder, with a wide array of skills. His creativity was unmatched in the Bundesliga last season and his goal scoring threat has been compared to that of Frank Lampard.

Mkhitaryan is more than just an attacking midfielder, with his work rate often being praised by his former managers as well as fellow players. He is willing to do the dirty work as well, something that bodes well with Mourinho’s exhaustive style of play.

Image provided by WhoScore.com

As you can see in the table above, Mkhitaryan had a brilliant 2015/16 league season, finishing with the highest assists in the Bundesliga. He was even named as the Bundesliga Player Of The Season for his exploits for Borussia Dortmund.

The Armenian’s diverse skill set and versatility will be a refreshing change to United’s rigid approach, which cost them dearly last season. Mourinho has traditionally deployed a number 10 playmaker just behind the striker, as the focal point around who the team is built. Wesley Sneijder and Mesut Ozil executed that role to perfection and Mkhitaryan has all the required attributes to make that position his own.

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However, the critical comparison with Manchester United’s current crop of midfielders is where it can be clearly seen that the club has bought a player who will vastly improve their attack in every possible way. Mkhitaryan leads the charts in every department, none more so than the total number of chances created, as can be seen below.

United’s top scorer in the league last season was a teenager playing his first ever season in England, which speaks volumes about just how poor their attack was under Louis Van Gaal. The astonishing decline of Wayne Rooney as an attacking midfielder made it absolutely vital for United to delve into the transfer market and fish out a player of Mkhitaryan’s caliber.

Chances created last season

As we can see, Mkhitaryan created more chances than the likes of Rooney and Martial combined, which means Zlatan Ibrahimovic will be licking his lips in anticipation of playing in front of the hugely talented playmaker.

Manchester United have signed a genuinely world class player who will undoubtedly be absolutely crucial in whatever success Mourinho manages to achieve in his first few seasons with the club.

Where And How Will He Fit In Mourinho’s Plans ?

Mkhitaryan will undoubtedly be a confirmed starter for Mourinho’s United squad and the manager would be looking to build his team around the playmaker. Mkhitaryan’s versatility in attack is also a huge bonus as it means he can seamlessly slot in as a second striker as well as a winger on either flank, in addition to his preferred number 10 role.

Mkhitaryan’s ideal position, as seen above, is just behind the striker, or the number 10 role, which he executed to perfection for Dortmund last season. The Armenian flourished in the role, with a staggering 55 goals and assists to his name in all competitions.  Playing here gives him the freedom to roam around in the final third and play direct incisive passes to the striker up front, as well as makes it easier to identify the runs of the wingers and distribute the ball accordingly.

Mkhitaryan can also be deployed on the left flank, to take advantage of his strong shooting skills. His ability to cut in and strike venomous and accurate shots with his right foot makes this position a threatening prospect for the club.

Additionally, Mkhitaryan possesses all the attributes required for a second striker as well, with his clinical finishing ability coupled with his ability to play with his back to the goal and retain possession. He can be the perfect foil for the main striker if Mourinho decides to play a two man forward line.

Mourinho’s brand of football requires players to run themselves to the ground, with a win at all costs mentality. Mkhitaryan’s work rate is considered really good for an attacking midfielder, frequently tracking back in his own half to apply some much needed pressure on the opposition.

Along with Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and maybe even Paul Pogba, the signing of Henrikh Mkhitaryan proves that José will waste no time in trying to get United right back to the very top of the pile. After the sale of Ronaldo and the decline of Rooney, United’s starting 11 has often lacked the quality their fans were used to, and that issue now seems like it has been put to rest for good with these quality additions.

Manchester United are currently second favourites to win the PL title with BetVictor, just behind Manchester City.

Quotes On Mkhitaryan

“We want to hold on to Mkhitaryan at all costs. Miki is a real champion and we want to keep him.” –  Thomas Tuchel

“He is a high class player”. –  Roberto Carlos

“Mkhitaryan is wonderful, and I think he’s the best footballer in Armenian history.”  – Youri Djorkaeff

“He has pace, skill, a rocket of a shot and the ability to arrive in the box like Frank Lampard. This all singles him out as a player who must be watched or more importantly marked.” – Pat Nevin

” There is no doubt in my mind that he is one of the most talented players in the world. He possesses an incredible combination of speed and technique. There’s very, very few you can say that about.” – Jurgen Klopp.

“If he can go on like this, he will have a big, big impact for Manchester United, and a big plus. I wish him the best, and to stay healthy.” – Ilkay Gundogan