Manchester United midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan has told the Armenia FA's website that manager Jose Mourinho is "one of the best in the world" and said he wants to show that he deserves to be a "key player."

Armenia international Mkhitaryan also said that he is "hungry" to deliver because of the way that the fans have backed him.

The summer signing from Borussia Dortmund last started a game for United on Sept. 10, when they lost 2-1 against Manchester City, and his only appearance for the club since then was off the bench in the 2-1 defeat against Fenerbahce on Nov. 3.

"I was always taught by my father to challenge myself and to continue to evolve in my career and I saw the move to Manchester United as an opportunity to grow as a player and as a person," Mkhitaryan said.

"It was definitely not the salary that made me join Manchester United. I went for football reasons. For the history of the club, the league, the fans and the coach, because he is one of the best in the world.

"There are no disappointments, just challenges. I never stop or give up when I encounter obstacles in my way. I just continue going until I reach my career objectives.

"Today I don't have enough playing time, so I have to do all my best so the coaching staff gives me the chance to play. I know I can succeed at Manchester United and I want to show everyone that I deserve to be a key player in this team, in this league."

The 27-year-old was not in the squad for United's last game, when they beat Swansea City 3-1. He has been a regular absentee from recent matchday squads but is not a forgotten man among supporters.

Discussing the fans, he added: "They simply live football, they love their players and always support the team, regardless if they win or lose. This makes you more hungry to play for them."

Mkhitaryan also spoke about the lifestyle in Manchester, joking: "There is not much sun but I didn't move to Manchester to go to the beach. It has been relatively simple to adapt to the city because people are so friendly to me. It's a dynamic city and one I like to live in."

The switch to the Premier League has been a new experience for the midfielder, who started his career at Pyunik in Armenia then moved on to Ukrainian teams Metalurh Donetsk and Shakhtar Donetsk, before joining Borussia Dortmund in Germany.

He said: "The English Premier League is the best league in the world and it gives me something different, a new challenge."

Mkhitaryan also discussed the influence of former Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp on his career, saying: "He trusted me and gave the chance to play in his team. He made me one of his key men and he worked a lot on my psychological part."

Source:
courtesy of ESPNFC

by Arindam Rej

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