Henrikh Mkhitaryan snubbed Arsenal transfer because he thought he’d play more at Manchester United

Manchester United midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan chose the Red Devils over Arsenal in the summer transfer window as he thought he’d have more first-team chances at Old Trafford.

The Armenia international was much in-demand after his stellar performances for Borussia Dortmund last season, and United are said to have ‘gazumped’ his move to the Emirates Stadium with a late swoop.

Mkhitaryan also opted for United as he felt he might struggle for games at Arsenal, but he has instead endured a miserable start to life in Manchester after being frozen out by manager Jose Mourinho.

The 27-year-old has not made much of an impression on Mourinho, and senior figures at United are keen to bide their time with the player after he also initially struggled to settle at previous club Dortmund.

The club will hope that means an early exit can be avoided in January, despite Mkhitaryan reportedly being shocked at his complete exclusion by Mourinho in recent games, according to the Daily Mail.

There has been speculation that United only signed Mkhitaryan to smooth over deals for two other major Mino Raiola clients – Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic – though club insiders are said to have dismissed these claims.