No other player has the ability to step into that No 10 position, but if Mkhitaryan’s form continues to drop then his future with United is definitely in doubt.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan started the season in sensational form after experiencing a shaky start to his career at Manchester United. But recent performances have raised questions. United’s faithful fans are increasingly frustrated by Mkhitaryan’s poor display.
It’s time for Mkhitaryan to prove he deserves a place on this Manchester United squad.
That’s an astonishing statement to make because the Armenian forward has the ability to become a United star for years to come. Mkhitaryan can attack spaces with dazzling runs. He’s creative, has vision, and can dictate play by disguising passes in the final third.
However, terrible performances in the past few weeks have put the former Borussia Dortmund star under the spotlight. His inability to make good decisions in the final third is worrisome. His lack of focus in keeping possession in the opposition half is disturbing. And his poor performance has affected the team’s attacking fluidity.
I think his recent dip in form may be due to Paul Pogba’s absence due to injury. Mkhitaryan is more effective when Pogba sits behind him in the middle of the park. That gives Mkhitaryan the freedom to dictate play in the opposition box.
Mourinho’s pragmatic approach to games may have contributed to Mkhitaryan’s sudden decline in form. The Portuguese tactician is keen on changing the dynamics of how his team plays. At the moment he’s managing to get wins and to keep his team in games as he sorts things out with his Armenian forward.
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The imminent return of Pogba will definitely change the way United plays. But it’s quite clear that Mkhitaryan is struggling to adapt to the rhythm and intensity of the Premier League. That explains why he was substituted for at halftime in his full debut in the Manchester derby last season. Mourinho took a bold approach and withdrew Mkhitaryan from the squad for over two months.
Mourinho’s intention was to give him time to build his physical and mental fitness before returning to the squad. That approach worked, too. Mkhitaryan won his place back in the squad and played an important role in the Europa League success last season.
It’s clear that fans are hoping Mkhitaryan will rediscover his blistering form. No other player has the ability to step into that No 10 position. But in my opinion, to do that Mkhitaryan will need to improve his mental toughness. Pushing himself to the limit will help take his game to the next level.
If Mkhitaryan’s form continues to drop, his future with United is definitely in doubt.
