Armenia midfielder 'very pleased' with club's summer signings so far
Wednesday 19 July 2017 08:57, UK
Henrikh Mkhitaryan says he is working hard to show Jose Mourinho that he is ready to have a bigger impact in his second season at Manchester United.
The Armenia international moved to Old Trafford from Borussia Dortmund last summer but made only 24 Premier League appearances in his first campaign, scoring four goals and providing just one assist, after a slow start to life at United.
However, he played his way into Mourinho's side, scoring in the Europa League final, and is now intent on proving to his manager that he deserves to stay in his starting line-up ahead of the new season.
"I'm always trying to help the team to achieve their dreams, I'm always trying to help the team score goals and to assist because it is very important, that's what we are playing for," he told Sky Sports News.
"Of course, there will be games where you are not able to do this but you have to try to help the team and your team-mates to do that for you.
"He [Mourinho] always tries to find the best for the player and he is always looking to the players if they are working very hard and that's what I am doing. I am working hard, I'm doing my best to show him that I am ready to play."
United won the League Cup and Europa League in Mourinho's first season in charge and Mkhitaryan says the focus is now on winning more silverware.
"Every player who is playing for Manchester United must have this mentality because if you are here, it means you have to win. You are not here just to say you are a player of Manchester United," he said.
"You are here to show off your quality, to help the team win trophies and to be the best."
United are currently preparing for the new Premier League season with a tour of the United States, with Mkhitaryan scoring in the recent 2-1 win over Real Salt Lake, and they will play Manchester City in the International Champions Cup in Houston on Friday.
New signings Romelu Lukaku and Victor Lindelof have joined the squad on the tour and the 28-year-old is delighted with the summer additions so far.
"I'm very pleased, I'm very happy that they have joined Manchester United, they are very good football players and it is not just like that they are here. It means they are strong enough to play for this team," Mkhitaryan added.
"Of course we are going to help them to settle down and adapt themselves to help us win the games."
