Manchester United transfer news: Henrikh Mkhitaryan joins on four-year deal after move from Borussia Dortmund
Mkhitaryan joins Man Utd on four-year deal with the option of an additional 12 months
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Your support makes all the difference.Manchester United have confirmed the signing of Borussia Dormund attacking midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan, with the Armenia international agreeing a four-year deal with the option of an additional 12 months.
Having visited the club’s Carrington training complex on Monday to undergo a medical and finalise personal terms, Mkhitaryan finally got his wish to leave Dortmund on Wednesday afternoon. With just 12 months to run on his Dortmund contract, Mkhitaryan rejected the offer of an extension and made it abundantly clear that he wanted a fresh challenge after three years at the Signal Iduna Park.
The 27-year-old provides United manager Jose Mourinho with another attacking option after he secured the services of Zlatan Ibrahimovic last Friday, while he represents the third signing of the Mourinho reign at Old Trafford following the acquisition of £30m Eric Bailly from Villarreal earlier this summer.
Speaking after the move was announced, Mkhitaryan told www.manutd.com: "I am very proud to join Manchester United, this move is a dream come true for me. I am excited to play for a club with such an illustrious history and hope to be part of it for a long time.
“I thank the trust the club and Jose Mourinho have put in me. Finally, I believe playing for such a great club honours my father’s memory, and the inspiration and drive he gave to me when I was young."
After making his third signing since replacing Louis van Gaal as manager, Mourinho added: "Henrikh is a very talented footballer who has been in such prolific form for both his club and his country. He is a real team player with great skill, vision and also has a good eye for goal.
“I am delighted he has chosen to sign for United. I believe he will make an impact on the team very quickly as his style of play is suited to the Premier League. We are all looking forward to working with him."
Mkhitaryan leaves Dortmund after making 136 appearances in all competitions, with his ability to get on the scoresheet – as demonstrated by his 40 goals for the Bundesliga club – a key reason why Mourinho has targeted the midfielder to strengthen his attack.
Mkhitaryan’s arrival could also signal the departure of the Spain international Juan Mata, despite the midfielder’s determination to fight for his place at Old Trafford. Mata was sold by Mourinho when at Chelsea after failing to fit the type of profile that he was after in his players, and the Portuguese may decide once again that Mata is surplus to requirements with Everton reported to be interested in his services, should he depart Old Trafford.
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