Phil Neville uses Henrikh Mkhitaryan to make point about Man United signing
The ex Manchester United defender believes Victor Lindelof can draw confidence from Henrikh Mkhitaryan's reverse in fortunes at Old Trafford
Phil Neville believes Victor Lindelof should draw confidence from Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s successful turnaround at Manchester United.
The Sweden international moved to Manchester United in a £30.7m deal from Portuguese champions Benfica in the summer transfer window.
The Red Devils signing is still waiting to make his first Premier League appearance as Jose Mourinho continues to place his faith in Phil Jones and Eric Bailly.
Mkhitaryan made a slow start to his Manchester United career last summer following a £30m switch from Borussia Dortmund to the Red Devils.
However, the Armenia international came into his own in the second half of the season to help Manchester United win the EFL Cup and the Europa League in the midfielder’s first season at Old Trafford.
Former Manchester United defender Neville believes Lindelof can take encouragement from Mkhitaryan as the centre-half looks to bounce back from a tough start at Old Trafford.
“I think he’s probably going to have to look at the way Jose treated Henrikh Mkhitaryan last year,” Neville told Sky Sports on Wednesday night.
“He’s come to England, he’s 23. He’s not the most dominant of centre-backs, I wouldn’t be surprised if Jose played him at full-back this season.
“I think these cup competitions are absolutely crucial to Victor Lindelof. He’s got to integrate himself into the team, the style of football in England.
“The physicality in English football is totally different to Portuguese football.”
Manchester United finished in sixth place in the Premier League table last season to miss out on the European places.
The Red Devils also signed Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic and Everton striker Romelu Lukaku in the summer transfer window.
Mourinho was appointed as Louis van Gaal’s successor in May 2016.
