Pundit uses Zlatan Ibrahimovic to make Man United point about Henrikh Mkhitaryan
Paul Merson believes Manchester United's move to re-sign Zlatan Ibrahimovic could affect Henrikh Mkhitaryan
Henrikh Mkhitaryan performs worse when he plays alongside Zlatan Ibrahimovic for Manchester United, according to Paul Merson.
Ibrahimovic committed his short-term future to Manchester United last week when he signed a new contract with the Red Devils to keep him at the club until next summer.
The 35-year-old striker is due to make his return from a long-term knee injury around Christmas time as he bids to help Manchester United sustain a Premier League title challenge this season.
However, Merson is not at all convinced by Manchester United’s move to re-sign Ibrahimovic and believes that the Swede could negatively impact players like Mkhitaryan.
Speaking on Sky Sports News on Saturday, Merson said: “I just don’t get it, I really don’t.
“I know he got all those goals last season but who else had a great season last year? (Ander) Herrera, (Antonio) Valencia, no one else.
“Look at Mkhitaryan now, that won’t happen if Zlatan Ibrahimovic is up front. Look at the way they were breaking then, it was too slow.
“For me Henrikh Mkhitaryan is one of the best players in the league, when he’s got pace around him like that.”
Mkhitaryan notched up his fifth assist of the season on Saturday as he helped Manchester United record a 2-0 victory over Leicester City.
The Red Devils are flying high at the top of the Premier League table, having won all three of their opening games.
Manchester United return to Premier League action after the international break when they take on Stoke City at the bet365 Stadium on Saturday 9 September.
The Red Devils are hoping to win the Premier League for the first time since 2013 this season after they finished in a disappointing sixth place last term.
