Armenia international manager Artur Petrosyan is delighted to see his star player quit Manchester United in favour of Arsenal.
The creative midfielder is his country’s all-time top goalscorer despite playing from midfield, but has had a tough time with the Red Devils, and can now look forward to a new start in North London.
Mkhitaryan joint United as one of the brightest talents on the continent, but failed to earn a regular starting role in manager Jose Mourinho’s first-team. The 29 year-old has now been allowed to move to Arsenal as part of the deal to sign Alexis Sanchez, and both players will be keen to hit the ground running with their new sides.
Armenian boss Petrosyan has now claimed that his star’s time at Old Trafford was ruined by Mounrinho, who had a problem with his style of play, and that he is looking forward to seeing Arsene Wenger get the best out of the midfielder.
He said: “I think Henrikh had a problem with the United coach and at Arsenal, it will be another thing and not the same situation. There will not be so much pressure on him defensively.
“Yes, he (Wenger) likes them to play better football. I think Wenger is better for Henrikh.
“I think the (Manchester United) fans liked him. I think that means he did something for the club.
“I am not happy with Mourinho’s decision not to play him, but it is his club, his team — he knows what he wants. It is good he has left.”
Petrosyan added: “We are very happy with this transfer from Manchester United. His style of play will be better suited at Arsenal.
“I only spoke with Miki and I cannot tell you about my talks with Miki because it was between us, but I told you about my impression that I was not happy with Mourinho.”
The international coach added that he still believes that Mkhi has the qualities needed to succeed in England, and that he will improve his game under Wenger.
Petrosyan said: “I think Henrikh can do very well in the Premier League. He can continue in a good mood, in a good way. He is always one of the best players in the Premier League but under this manager – Wenger – he will become even stronger.
“We are playing in March, a friendly against Lithuania. Henrikh will play.
“He wants to play. Even if he played twice a week at his club, he would want to play every game for Armenia. Even if I say, ‘you play just one half’ he says, ‘No, I play all the game.'”
Will Wenger help Mkhi to flourish and let his creative juices flow unlike Mourinho did? Will Jose regret his handling of such a creative and attacking talent?
Pat J