Henrikh Houdini
Manchester United’s Armenian magician is finally unleashing his bag of tricks.
#FreeMkhi
For months, United fans have been wondering what the hell has been going on with Henrikh Mkhitaryan. After the big money move in the summer from Borussia Dortmund, United fans were expecting big things out of the greatest Armenian not named Kardashian. Instead, Mkhi spent game after game on the bench or on the couch after flopping in the first edition of the PepMou Bowl. News began leaking out of Old Trafford that Mkhi’s mentality was more fragile than former teammate Marco Reus. Despite Jose Mourinho being adamant that the diminutive winger was indeed part of his plans, United fans became antsy after being subjected to Jesse Lingard and Ashley Young on the wings and points being dropped.
Jose has taken his time with Mkhi — easing him into the team at his own discretion even as the team struggled for effective play on the right wing. After two months in the shadows, Mkhi was finally given his chance against Feyenoord and he promptly seized it.
In a terrific performance, Mkhi showed Mourinho what he was capable of and reignited United fans hopes that he would finally lock down a starting place in the XI. Voted Man of the Match, Mkhi has won the honor again twice in the following three games. His goal against Zorya in the Europa League encapsulates what he brings to the game:
Picking up the ball in his own half, Mkhi attacks the Zorya defenders with pace. As they attempt to close in, Mkhi uses his deadly change of pace and dribbling to burst through the charging defenders and slot past an on-rushing keeper.
For years, United have lacked pace and dynamism on the right wing. With Zlatan Ibrahimovic dominating the middle of the park, the Red Devils will be dependent on pacy wingers to utilize the space that he opens with his link up play. Along with young star Anthony “Groovy Tony” Martial, the key to United’s attack will be Henrikh Houdini.
Looking ahead to the next match, Tottenham Spurs CB Toby Alderweireld is back from injury and looking to cement his place in one of the stingiest defenses, Mkhi’s pace and dribbling will be the key to success. Drawchester United are desperate for a win after having back to back to back derpoffs. Here is how the team should line up:
Martial and Mkhitaryan will provide the pace needed to exploit one of the Premier League’s best defenses. Mata’s passing and link up play combined with Pogba’s dynamism will unlock the defense should they sit back, while Old Man Carrick can still control the park with the best of them.
Although results haven’t been what United fans have desired, no one can deny that United is a club in transition and the team has been MUCH better and more attacking than Van Gaal’s stale side. However, for the amount of chances being created, United has not been able to force other teams to pick the ball out their damn net enough. Here’s hoping that Mkhi’s permanent inclusion in the Red Devil XI will lead to a lot more of this:
