Henrikh Mkhitaryan has revealed former Borussia Dortmund teammate Shinji Kagawa played a role in him joining Manchester United this summer.
Despite his brief stay at Old Trafford the Japanese playmaker had only good things to say which ultimately convinced Mkhitaryan who had one year left on his Dortmund contract.
The six-time Armenian footballer of the year was courted by a host of European clubs including the likes of Arsenal but it was United who secured his coveted signature and their legion of supporters are hoping the form he showed in Germany continues in England.
“I never promise something, I always say that I will try,” Mkhitaryan began.
“Because if you promise something and you don’t do it you will always be under pressure. I want to do everything to get to a new level.
“Every time Shinji talked about Manchester he told me something good so it gives a good impression. You have to try and do everything to show your best qualities otherwise you will not be here anymore.”
Mkhitaryan ended a three-year association with Borussia Dortmund this summer by joining the 20-time English champions for around £35 million. He left having made 140 appearances, in all competitions, scoring 41 goals and setting-up a further 49.
Last season he was the Bundesliga “assist king” having created 20 goals in 31 appearances.
The expectation is Mkhitaryan will be part of a front-three with fellow new signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and Anthony Martial.
One area where United disappointed last season was in the final third; they only managed 49 goals, the fewest of any team in the Premier League top- eight.
COMMENTS