Henrikh Mkhitaryan joined Manchester United over Arsenal because he believed he would play more for the Reds, according to a new report.
The Daily Mail claims that a deal was agreed __with the Gunners for the Armenian but United then offered more money to Borussia Dortmund, while the player himself favoured a move to Old Trafford.
‘A move to Arsenal was agreed in the summer but United gazumped their rivals by up to £7m to sign him.
‘Ironically, the 27-year-old player thought United’s need for him was greater and he would play more at Old Trafford. He could be forgiven for regretting that decision now.’
Mkhitaryan has started just one Premier League game and was omitted from United’s squad to play Manchester City in the League Cup this week.
The Mail also addresses suggestions that Mkhitaryan was only bought because his agent is Mino Raiola and insisted on the move in order to smooth the way for Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic to join Jose Mourinho’s United.
The report continues:
‘The feeling at United is that Mkhitaryan is one of those players who needs to be 100 per cent right, both physically and mentally, to perform. The club are aware that he also had a relatively slow start at Dortmund in 2013.
‘It’s understood they want to make sure Mkhitaryan is completely ready rather than risk another bad performance that could seriously damage his confidence.’