Henrikh Mkhitaryan finally has one in the books, but he’s nowhere near done yet.
It may have taken some time, but Mkhitaryan’s first goal for the Red Devils was certainly worth the wait.
The Armenian grabbed the goal during his side’s 2-0 Europa League win over Ukranian outfit Zorya Luhansk. It was a beautiful solo effort that began with him picking the ball up near the half-way line, ended with him coolly slotting it past the opposition goalkeeper into the bottom right corner of the net, with some defender duping in the middle.
A lot was expected of the 27-year-old after he completed his big-money move to Old Trafford from Borussia Dortmund in the summer, but we had seen little of him in the first four months of the season because Jose Mourinho has continuously refused to play him.
However, now that he’s starting to get a taste of what it’s like to be a first-team player, he wants to make sure he stays there.
Great team win and 1st goal for #MUFC ⚽️Can't wait to score in front of our fans at Old Trafford! 👊🏼 pic.twitter.com/NSjdlxw7fy
— Henrikh Mkhitaryan (@HenrikhMkh) December 8, 2016
His first goal may have been a thing of beauty, but Mkhitaryan wasn’t dwelling on it too much speaking to reporters after the game. He’s already plotting his next one, which he has vowed will come on home turf.
“I think the first goal can be weight off your shoulders.”
“I’ve waited a long time for this goal and my next one has to be at Old Trafford. I want to score at home.”
Cynics may feel that Manchester United have all but ruled themselves out of the title hunt in this early stage of the season, but Mkhitaryan is most definitely not a cynic. The Armenia international told Sky Sports that Manchester United still have a chance of winning the trophy, but they must not allow being 13 points off leaders Chelsea to affect their motivation.
“Never say never, anything is possible. I remember once Manchester United were ahead of Manchester City by eight points and ended up losing it, so everything is possible in this life.”
How do they get back to the business end of the league? Well, it’s obvious to Mkhitaryan – they have to start winning.
“We have to start winning, and not drawing the games, that’s the most important thing. It’s always a pity to lose or draw at the end of the game, it’s always painful. But we have to accept that it’s our mistake and move forward.”
“When we’re leading during the game, we have to squeeze the opponent. Our players understand their mistakes, me too, but we have to keep thinking together, and the good results will be ahead.”
It may sound simple, but the Red Devils have found sealing the victory to be a difficult task of late. Their 1-1 draw to Everton last weekend marked their third league stalemate on the bounce. They’ll be hoping to get back to winning ways against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday and with Old Trafford being the venue, it will be the perfect opportunity for Mkhitaryan to make good on his vow.
