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Manchester United news: Henrikh Mkhitaryan reveals Thierry Henry as his childhood idol

Mkhitaryan has recently forced his way back into the team

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The Independent Online
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Henrikh Mkhitaryan has enjoyed a recent resurgence on the pitch Getty

Manchester United summer signing Henrikh Mkhitaryan has revealed his idol growing up was a man often chief tormentor of the Red Devils, Arsenal legend Thierry Henry.

The Frenchman is the Gunners’ all-time top goalscorer with 228 goals and helped the club to two Premier League title, two FA Cup and a Champions League final.

Mkhitaryan even admitted that his choice of position as a child was influenced by Henry.

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"I always supported Henry when he was playing for Arsenal,” said Mkhitaryan. “He is one of my favourite players because at that time I was also playing as a striker as a child. Then I became a midfielder."

Mkhitaryan had a slow start to his United career after his £26.5m move from Borussia Dortmund, only starting one game in his first three months at Old Trafford.

However, he has featured in all four of United’s last four games and scored two in his last two to become an integral part of Jose Mourinho’s side before being forced off with an ankle injury against Tottenham on the weekend.

His injury is expected to keep him out of at least United’s next two games and Mkhitaryan admitted he needed to get used to the way of the Premier League.

Reflecting on the start of his United career, Mkhitaryan said: “English football is really different to football in other countries. So if you're playing in Germany, France, England or Spain you have to get used to playing in that league.

Manchester United vs Tottenham player ratings

Manchester United vs Tottenham player ratings

  • 1/22 David de Gea - 7 out of 10

    A couple of saves and a clean sheet, but sometimes had trouble in organising his defence.

  • 2/22 Antonio Valencia - 6 out of 10

    Bombed up and down the right, but a needless booking sees him suspended for the next match.

  • 3/22 Phil Jones - 7 out of 10

    Another eager and impressive performance in defence.

  • 4/22 Marcos Rojo - 7 out of 10

    Kept Kane quiet throughout, and shows glimpses of maturity.

  • 5/22 Matteo Darmian - 6 out of 10

    Fielded as an unaccustomed left-back, he struggled at times with Son's trickery and Sissoko's pace.

  • 6/22 Ander Herrera - 8 out of 10

    Impressed in midfield with his energetic pressing game, and provided a wonderful assist for the matchwinner.

  • 7/22 Michael Carrick - 7 out of 10

    United look a better team with him in it. A clever head in the middle of the pitch.

  • 8/22 Paul Pogba - 7 out of 10

    Growing in stature, he was denied a goal on three separate occasions by either Lloris or the woodwork.

  • 9/22 Henrikh Mkhitaryan - 9 out of 10

    The best player on the pitch. He looked lively from the first minute, scored his first Premier League goal and was a constant threat. His late injury could be a huge blow for United.

  • 10/22 Zlatan Ibrahimovic - 7 out of 10

    A typically physical presence up top, he was the a worthy foil for those around him.

  • 11/22 Anthony Martial - 5 out of 10

    Often got himself into good positions but is clearly lacking the confidence of a year ago.

  • 12/22 Hugo Lloris - 7 out of 10

    Without him, the match would have been over for Tottenham long before the final whistle.

  • 13/22 Kyle Walker - 7 out of 10

    One of Tottenham's better performers, he showed a willing and inventiveness in attack not matched by his teammates.

  • 14/22 Toby Alderweireld - 7 out of 10

    Outpaced by Mkhitaryan for the goal, but made a number of telling interceptions.

  • 15/22 Jan Vertonghen - 7 out of 10

    Complemented Alderweireld with a number of last man blocks.

  • 16/22 Danny Rose - 6 out of 10

    A target for United fans' ire after his involvement in Mkhitaryan's injury. Had a mixed afternoon on the left.

  • 17/22 Victor Wanyama - 6 out of 10

    Fluffed a great opportunity to equalise. Should probably stay out of the penalty area in future.

  • 18/22 Moussa Dembele - 6 out of 10

    The odd flash of brilliance aside, he failed to stamp his mark on the match and was eventually subbed.

  • 19/22 Christian Eriksen - 7 out of 10

    Tottenham's biggest threat, he was denied three times by De Gea's saves.

  • 20/22 Dele Alli - 6 out of 10

    Lacking the composure of last season despite often finding himself in possession.

  • 21/22 Son Heung-Min - 6 out of 10

    Bright on a couple of occasions in the first half, he faded in the second and was replaced.

  • 22/22 Harry Kane - 4 out of 10

    Often out of position and anonymous. Responsible for the error that led to United's goal.

"In the beginning it was a little bit hard but I keep doing everything that is needed to become a Premier League player.

"I've done hard work and I've tried to do everything the manager is asking from me to play in this team and to be useful for the team."

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