Various outlets suggest that the Armenian will once again don the black and yellow armor, possibly as soon as the end of January. It would seem the winger is surplus to requirements at Old Trafford. Jose Mourinho has preferred to play other midfielders, wingers, and strikers in place of Mkhitaryan.
Jose Mourinho’s exclusion of Mkhitaryan has raised a few eyebrows and given way to much speculation. However, he has given his reasons behind not playing the Armenian in an interview on the official Manchester United website.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – JANUARY 01: Jose Mourinho, Manager of Manchester United gestures from the sideline during the Premier League match between Everton and Manchester United at Goodison Park on January 1, 2018 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Chris Brunskill Ltd/Getty Images)
The Portuguese manager has made the decision to give playing time to other members of the squad. This list includes Anthony Martial, Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata, Ashley Young, and others. Mkhitaryan is quite far down in the pecking order, and may be looking for a way out in this transfer window.
Many have suggested he could make a return to Germany, and the question remains “Will it happen?”
Obviously, the word got out about Mkhitaryan being linked with a move away from Manchester. Bild caught up with Watzke, and he spoke his mind about the situation.
“Like no one else, I know the economic data of his transfer to Manchester United and that’s why it’s imaginable only with great imagination.”
Well you heard it. I also don’t think that’s the only reason the Armenian won’t be returning. It’s a familiar story in the Dortmund camp where a player leaves, doesn’t perform, and returns with their best years behind them. Götze, Kagawa, and Sahin are all examples of this.
It doesn’t look good for a club when management continues to let this happen. At some point, a line has to be drawn. A certain level of respect must be tolerated and upheld. The Dortmund hierarchy won’t let Mkhitaryan back out of pride, and I don’t blame them.
If the reports are true, then his transfer was messy, and that’s not surprising, considering his agent Mino Raiola. Needless to say, when a man throws a chair during negotiations, business relations suffer.
Borussia Dortmund is currently Dortmund hospital and it would be wise to bring in an experienced winger. If he wants his career to continue, Mkhitaryan will have to hit good form. That can only be done through consistent playing time.
Andre Schürrle looks to be on his way out and Reus is still waiting to come back. Christian Pulisic is promising but he isn’t the player we saw break onto the scene last season. Maximilian Philipp will be out for a while, and Mario Götze has once again injured himself.
Perhaps Borussia Dortmund management will need to swallow their pride for the best interest of the club. Maybe we don’t need him and all this talk is for nothing. We’ll have to wait and see.