He may have had a slow start, but he's surely been able to prove Mourinho wrong and earn a spot among Manchester United's most influential players.
Armenian playmaker Henrikh Mkhitaryan stunned the world with what some are referring to as "goal of the seaon" As Manchester United looked to secure three points against WBA, Mkhitaryan took advantage of a fine cross by Zlatan Ibrahimovic and sent it into the back of the net. Even though the goal should've been disallowed, fans overlooked that fact given the beauty of his definition.
If ever there was time for a linesman to mistakenly keep his flag his down it was for that Mkhitaryan finish. Genuinely incredible. #MUNSUN
— Duncan Castles (@DuncanCastles) December 26, 2016
Mkhitaryan explained later that the ball was a bit behind himm, and he decided to have a go anyhow.
Here's another look at the Armenian's first touch of the ball.
Have a look at how the ball started its way into the back of the net.
Have a look at what his coach had to say about his performance.
Jose Mourinho talks to #MUTVHD about @HenrikhMkh's contribution for #MUFC today... pic.twitter.com/DDYuImLRh9
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 26, 2016
Fans and experts wasted no time to praise the midfielder over his impressive goal. Scroll down and read some of their best comments.
That goal from Mkhitaryan is absolutely stupendous. Only a small minority can actually pull that off. What a player he really is.
— Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) December 26, 2016
COMES BACK FROM INJURY AND SCORES A SCORPION KING. WHAT A MAN, HENRIKH MKHITARYAN.
— AN. (@VintageUtd) December 26, 2016
THIS IS HOW YOU SLEEP KNOWING THAT ZLATAN, MKHITARYAN AND POGBA ARE PLAYING FOR YOUR BELOVED TEAM pic.twitter.com/KVj28pMGM4
— я ı т c h ı є (@richardsons88) December 26, 2016
Mkhitaryan is a player we have been crying out for so much pace can play 3 positions finds space creates scores what a signing
— Mufc Wonderland (@mufcWay1) December 26, 2016
The player paid back his fans' support by standing outside Old Trafford signing autographs one hour after the match concluded.
Mkhitaryan still signing autographs after the game #mufc pic.twitter.com/RPJfkIVRd3
— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) December 26, 2016