Henrikh Mkhitaryan to Manchester United: Jose Mourinho backs new signing to make immediate impact at Old Trafford

Jose Mourinho has backed Henrikh Mkhitaryan to make an immediate impact on Manchester United and the Premier League after he completed his move to Old Trafford.

Mkhitaryan, 27, has agreed a four-year contract at Manchester United with the option for a further year and follows Eric Bailly and Zlatan Ibrahimovic to become Mourinho’s third signing since his appointment.

Last week his former club Borussia Dortmund confirmed Mkhitaryan’s departure, stating the English side had made a “tremendous” offer too good to refuse for a player with one year remaining on his contract. The figure Manchester United have paid is reported to be around £26million.

Over three seasons at Signal Iduna Park Mkhitaryan, also a target for Arsenal earlier in the summer, contributed 40 goals in 136 appearances, enjoying his best performances in black and yellow last season, where he scored 11 goals and contributed as many assists in the Bundesliga.

Mourinho said of his new signing: “Henrikh is a very talented footballer who has been in such prolific form for both his club and his country. He is a real team player with great skill, vision and also has a good eye for goal.

“I am delighted he has chosen to sign for United. I believe he will make an impact on the team very quickly as his style of play is suited to the Premier League. We are all looking forward to working with him.”

Mkhitaryan added: “I am very proud to join Manchester United, this move is a dream come true for me. I am excited to play for a club with such an illustrious history and hope to be part of it for a long time. I thank the trust the club and Jose Mourinho have put in me.

“Finally, I believe playing for such a great club honours my father’s memory, and the inspiration and drive he gave to me when I was young.”

At his first press conference as Manchester United manager Mourinho confirmed that Mkhitaryan would be the third of four major signings he made this summer, with Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba among the most high-profile names linked with what their new manager labelled “the biggest club in the UK”.