Jose Mourinho's brutal Man Utd transfer tactic in massive Arsenal move - The Mirror

Henrikh Mkhitaryan has opened up on his explosive relationship with Jose Mourinho at Manchester United, which eventually led to the Armenian joining Arsenal in 2018

Henrikh Mkhitaryan endured a toxic relationship with Jose Mourinho during his spell at Manchester United, with their bitter feud ultimately forcing the midfielder's exit to Arsenal.

The Armenian had arrived at Old Trafford from Borussia Dortmund in 2016 and even though Mourinho initially wanted him at the club, Mkhitaryan's disappointing performances sparked a explosive row between the pair. During his debut campaign, he managed 11 goals across 41 appearances.

Their bond rapidly crumbled, with Mourinho making it abundantly clear he wanted the midfielder out of his squad. The 'Special One' even admitted his eagerness to bring in Alexis Sanchez as Mkhitaryan's replacement.

In his new autobiography 'My Life Always at the Centre', Mkhitaryan revealed: "I told him, you've been criticising me for a year-and-a-half now, ever since I arrived at Manchester United. Mourinho told me I was 's***' and I just lost my temper.

"'You are the s***. An enormous one.' Mou replied: 'Get out of here, I never want to see you again.'

"During the training sessions, the coach said nothing to me, he remained at a religious level of silence, but every evening he'd send me a message via WhatsApp. 'Miki, leave, please.'

"The situation had become grotesque. I'd reply every time with the same copy and paste response. 'I will leave if I find the right team, otherwise I'll wait for the summer.'

"Towards the middle of January, the text changed slightly. 'Miki, please leave, that way I can get Alexis Sanchez.'

"Mino Raiola was working on this exchange with Arsenal. So my response mutated too. 'I am not leaving just to do you a favour, and please stop writing to me. If you want, talk to Mino.' And everyone lived happily ever after."

In January 2018, Mkhitaryan transferred to Arsenal in a swap deal involving Sanchez and enjoyed a more fruitful period in north London.

He went on to net nine goals in 58 appearances for the Gunners, playing a crucial role in their journey to the 2019 Europa League final.

However, he was subsequently reunited with Mourinho at AS Roma, where the duo enjoyed some success together.

During the 2021/22 campaign, Mkhitaryan featured in 44 matches across all competitions at Roma under Mourinho's guidance, and claimed the Europa Conference League trophy.

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