The summer signings of Romelu Lukaku, Victor Lindelof and Nemanja Matic further highlighted the meticulousness and reliability of Jose Mourinho’s transfer strategy, not only in his decorated career but in his short spell at Manchester United. All three signings have addressed the need in which United tried to compensate for last season. Certainly, Zlatan Ibrahimovic was the main catalyst in most of United’s success last season but despite that, it felt like something was missing.
Zlatan’s big frame and presence was a huge factor up front for United last season, but he did not have the pace and movement required to fully punish teams. At times last season, United’s build-up play and impetus in the final third was at times laboured and forced. Jose Mourinho addressed that need with the instant signing of Romelu Lukaku who has already proved an instant hit at Old Trafford, with 4 goals in 3 games in all competitions (inc Super Cup against Real Madrid). The Belgian’s size, mobility, movement, pace and power is perfect for Mourinho and the type of forward United have been missing for large parts after Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure in 2013. Finally United have a forward they can look forward to experience for the now and the future with the striker still at the tender age of 24.
The signing of Nemanja Matic addressed the need of a midfield enforcer, a man that can hold his own in front of the defence, screening opposition play and also allowing Paul Pogba the liberty to roam. Matic certainly fit the bill, at the expense of Chelsea becoming light in their own midfield department – a gift to Mourinho that could become Chelsea’s undoing as they aim to defend their Premier League crown. As well as Lukaku, Matic has made the position his own, stamping his authority in both the opening wins against West Ham and Swansea in addition to an impressive display in United’s defeat to Real Madrid in the Super Cup. Ander Herrera was a suitable option in the role last season but Mourinho felt the Spaniard wasn’t enough, and Matic could prove to be United’s most important signing of the summer. Throw in defender Victor Lindelof who signed from Portuguese champions Benfica. A player who hasn’t had the same impact as both Lukaku and Matic who have Premier League experience, but Mourinho would not have invested in the Swedish international if he wasn’t good enough. As the season grows on, we could see the quality Lindelof holds as Eric Bailly did last season.
The signings of Eric Bailly, Paul Pogba last season was the start of something new in Mourinho’s tenure, but one man who hasn’t garnered as much praise as Matic, Lukaku, Pogba so far this season – it certainly wouldn’t bother him – is the silent Armenian magician Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
As Romelu Lukaku celebrated in front of the away fans, with a Christ the Redeemer-like celebration as he scored United’s second goal at the Liberty Stadium, the Belgian pointed to Mkhitaryan and ushered him over – a mere act taking the glory away from himself and praising the creator – the quiet Armenian humbly ambled over to accept his portion of praise. The Manchester United away end inside the Liberty Stadium were rampant, as they had experienced football which captivated the imagination of the Ferguson era. Liberation is a wonderful. Mourinho pointed out in his Post match press conference, stating he allowed his ‘horses to run free’.
Mkhitaryan’s pass for Lukaku’s goal, the second in a 4-0 rout over Swansea City, more ruthless than emphatic, was something of the sublime – like a knife slowly but ruthlessly cutting through a ham sandwich. He did the same for Anthony Martial against West Ham in United’s opening match at Old Trafford, with a similar first time ball of scalpel-like precision.
Few are better at laying on the eye of the needle pass, killing teams with a five to 10 yard ball than Henrikh Mkhitaryan. In fact, United have not only Mkhitaryan in the technical department, but also Juan Mata. Both players are blessed with such great vision and the ability to provide for their team-mates. Romelu Lukaku had barely put him down when Paul Pogba became the next consumer of Mkhitaryan’s creation in the final third. Another rapid and lightening quick counter attack culminated in the French superstar being slid in to net with such precision and stylishness as he cutely chipped the Swansea goalkeeper, a goal as deft and soft as a Mother’s kiss. It wasn’t only the finish that left fans drooling but the run and subtle pass by Mkhitaryan which was a sight to behold, a sight all United fans will be desperately wanting to see throughout the season.
Regardless of whichever variant of Lukaku, Martial and Marcus Rashford on the pitch at any given time, United have it in the armoury to leave defenders gasping for breath. Though they can drift in and out go games like students do subconsciously in a lecture hall, Mkhitaryan and Juan Mata are the perfect players to complement the pace and power of Martial, Rashford, Pogba and Lukaku – the perfect players to join the dots in the spaces vacated between the lines.
The freedom in which United’s attacking players can strut their stuff could be something to behold, all of them should owe Nemanja Matic a trip to the pub on a regular basis. The Serbian is the reason why United can finally have the liberty and license to cause havoc in the attacking third, all credit should go to Jose Mourinho for that masterstroke of a purchase. That massive presence was missing last season, and with fans calling out for a more youthful signing in Monaco’s Fabinho, little did they know that Mourinho had other plans, a player he trusts and a player who has been part of a Premier League title winning team for 2 of the past 3 seasons. Coincidence?
Whether tucking in behind Romelu Lukaku or moving infield from the right wing, Mkhitaryan already this season looks as though he’s got the bit between his teeth and he has no intention of relinquishing it which makes us question when Jesse Lingard will finally have a run in the starting line-up. Mkhitaryan means business. 5 assists in three games is no joke, 4 more than his entire total last season.
Paul Pogba and Romelu Lukaku have emerged as twin totems of a new Manchester United that is slowly but surely starting to look like the old one. The win against Swansea City was the first time in 110 years United have opened a league campaign with wins by four or more goals in their first two matches. The athleticism, dynamism the pair provide is a given, but just as important, if not more so, is the brand of enthusiasm they have injected into the dressing room that had felt stale for quite a long while.
Making light of Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s absence was hardly going to be easy for Lukaku. While it would be silly to write of the Swede’s 28-goal haul last season, after just a couple of games we have seen United play a more exciting brand of football than at any point last season. The Swede’s charisma and aura was the tonic for a transitional phase and maybe his return to the club after injury might just be, again, the extra push and injection that Mourinho and his side need to take their game up a notch.
Paul Clement after the game said his side played to United’s strengths trying to chase a goal while 2-0 down, which in turn allowed United to counter-attack time and time again. Attempting to apply that to the style last season at United was like trying to play hide-and-seek in an empty room. It just did not work.
While Pogba and Lukaku could grab the headlines, it should not be understated just how key a role the more underrated Mkhitaryan could play in United’s renaissance. He has been involved in four of United’s 8 goals already this season. He ended last season with 11 goals in all competition, including the second goal in the 2-0 Europa League triumph over Ajax in Stockholm, he was arguably the competitions most influential player. But too often last season, the Armenian floated like a butterfly and stung like one too. Perhaps that assessment is unfair given his goal of the season scorpion kick against Sunderland on Boxing day, a further reminder of his quality and imagination.
Jose Mourinho stated in his press conference that Mkhitaryan’s form has been down to the relationship between the player and Mourinho himself:
“I think he understands me and to be honest, I understand him. Because in the beginning of the (last) season, if he understands me better, he would have started better.
“But we spent time, working together. I know him well, he knows me well and the second part of the season was good for him, and I think this season is going to be even better.”
On Mkhitaryan’s full debut against Manchester City last September, he looked so overwhelmed, trying to do too much like a fish out of a water. Somehow contriving to lose the ball 12 times despite being completely anonymous, he was hooked off at the break but spawned a tough love routine from Jose Mourinho, he did not return to the fold until December.
The Armenian is a huge talent, no doubt about that, but one Mourinho would have expected more from given his £26.3million for him on the back of an astonishing season with Dortmund in which he was involved in a combined total of 55 goals. One more than United scored themselves last season. Mkhitaryan registered 4 goals and a single assist. He is notoriously a slow starter at new clubs, he only exploded in to life at Dortmund in his second season. At Shakhtar Donetsk, it was the final of three seasons that he also showed his true quality. Lets be honest, the Premier League is a different kettle of fish, taking a while getting used to his new surroundings was always going to be the case.
23 goals and 32 assists in his final season at Dortmund is of course, an astonishing feat. Even Mourinho isn’t that demanding in terms of statistics, but if the Portuguese coach can irk out something a little close to that feat then United could be looking strong candidates come May for not only the Premier League but in the Champions League also.
Mkhitaryan will be central to any success United have this season, as he was last season popping up with vital goals in the Europa League.
If history is anything to go by, Mkhitaryan is in for massive and industrious second season at Old Trafford. In a team full of superstars and characters, Henrikh Mkhitaryan is the Brains of the whole operation.
anthonyscouts.co.uk 