Moment by Moment: Breaking Down Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s Brilliant Performance

The Old Trafford faithful gave a huge cheer as Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s name was read out on Thursday, part of the Manchester United starting XI for just the second time since his summer arrival.

Fans on social media were similarly enthused about his inclusion. And by the time he was taken off in the 82nd minute, he had given a man-of-the-match performance, which stands a decent chance of kicking off his United career in earnest.

He’s our midfield Armenian… and he’s also your Man of the Match. Well done, @HenrikhMkh! #MUFC pic.twitter.com/v3ErEK86oJ

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 24, 2016

Nominally starting on the left in a flexible front four, he was immediately involved in the Red Devils’ buildup play. He drifted inside and played a simple pass back to Michael Carrick within moments of kick-off.

Shortly afterward, he ghosted into the box. Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s header back across goal nearly fell to him. Given this all happened within the first minute of the game, it was immediately clear he would be an important factor in United’s performance.

After a spell on the left, the flexibility of his position was clear. He, Juan Mata, Wayne Rooney and Ibrahimovic clearly had a remit to roam. He made himself available in the box for a cross from Rooney at around the five-minute mark.

Did you miss #MUFC v Feyenoord? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Check out the highlights: https://t.co/O1t0gX8xob pic.twitter.com/FYUbGee20h

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 25, 2016

Nothing came from that, but a minute or so later, the weighting on the Armenian’s pass to Rooney was delicate and perfect as the two men linked up.

His superb ability with the ball was on display again just after the ninth minute. He played a sumptuous one-two with Rooney, though the England captain’s final ball was overhit, allowing Feyenoord ‘keeper Brad Jones to break up the move. That passage of play took place through the centre of the pitch, demonstrating how fluid they could be.

Mkhitaryan’s touch was clearly in.

That allowed him to pull off a beautiful spin move a few minutes later, as he controlled the ball, turned his back to the defender and laid it off to Daley Blind. This was followed up by a through ball for Paul Pogba on the left. Then came a cross for Ibrahimovic, though the range was just slightly off, and it fell short of its mark.

The first quarter of an hour gave plenty of evidence that manager Jose Mourinho had made the right decision in bringing Mkhitaryan back into the fold.

Jose: Start Mkhitaryan at once Inner Jose: Troll them till November pic.twitter.com/kxW7DhEfBf

— Musa Okwonga (@Okwonga) November 24, 2016

He was almost rewarded with an assist when he laid a simple pass off to Paul Pogba on the edge of the area after a nice run. The France international’s excellent shot was saved, and the ensuing corner saw Mkhitaryan’s shot blocked, though it looked as if it were heading wide.

Moments later, Ibrahimovic’s stunning, improvised outside-of-the-boot looped cross found the Armenian in the centre of the box. He did well to get his hooked volley on target, though it lacked power. It had been a flurry of attacking activity from the Red Devils, and Mkhitaryan was at the heart of it.

The following 10 minutes saw Feyenoord threaten for the first time and United enter a patch of sloppy play. When they finally reasserted themselves, some smooth buildup play led to the former Borussia …

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