On Thursday night Henrikh Mkhitaryan scored his first goal for Manchester United away at Zorya in the Europa League – and immediately targeted a first home goal to follow it up.
He told BT Sport: “I was waiting a long time for this goal. Hopefully my next goal is at Old Trafford.
“I want to score at home. It’d be a pleasure to score at Old Trafford, and I will try my best to do that.”
Three days later, and he delivered when he gave United the lead in the first half against Tottenham in their Premier League clash.
Well, a promise is a promise – and United fans were purring on Twitter about the form of the man who spent the first few months of his career at United out of the team:
Mkhitaryan on Thursday: "my next goal has to be at OT because I want to score at home"
Sunday, he scored at Old Trafford. #MUFC #THFC pic.twitter.com/wXTnnN2Qlz
— United Indonesia (@UtdIndonesia) December 11, 2016
He said this week that his wait for first team action was difficult.
“It wasn’t easy to wait until the next chance to play again. I was waiting for maybe two months to get in the starting line-up and finally I have got my chance.
“I have done everything to make everyone proud and happy the way I am doing on the pitch.
“It is always hard to watch from the side when you can’t help, to show them what can be better for the team.”
And he’s certainly doing that so far…
#STATS:
Henrikh Mkhitaryan since coming back into the Manchester United team:
– Games: 4 👊
– Goals: 2 ⚽️
– Assists: 2 🎯
– Man of the Match 2 🔴 pic.twitter.com/4FjEg0S7pm— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) December 11, 2016
Henrik Mkhitaryan is fast becoming my hero.
— Sam Homewood (@SamHomewood) December 11, 2016
Was this all part of Jose’s masterplan?
I'm not sure about this but maybe Mourinho has got it right in how he's managed Mkhitaryan? #mufc
— Neil Rickards (@NeilTheKid) December 11, 2016
Too early to say? Or does Ross have a point?
Think #Mkhitaryan is Man Utd best signing since SAF final season.
— Ross Christie (@rosschristie20) December 11, 2016
When you realise Mkhitaryan is actually good: pic.twitter.com/fywD2Dj8sd
— Coral (@Coral) December 11, 2016
https://twitter.com/charles_mayiga/status/807964918507012096
There are few things more graceful and breathtaking as Henrikh Mkhitaryan with the ball at his feet, in full flow. It's a sight to behold!
— Theo Moyo (@theomojo) December 11, 2016
Succinct:
https://twitter.com/AdSykes18/status/807964644463837184
Mkhitaryan freed at last
— k (@its_Antwi) December 11, 2016
The question we’ve all been asking ourselves:
How doesn't Mkhitaryan start every game
— evan (@Evanhill_) December 11, 2016
Is there any greater praise from a Mancunian?
MKHITARYAN = LAD #MUNTOT #MUFC
— Stretford Paddock (@StretfordPaddck) December 11, 2016
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