EPL 2017/18: 5 reasons why this could be Henrikh Mkhitaryan's season

While all the recent headlines may have been grabbed by the new £75 million signing, Romelu Lukaku, there is a certain Armenian midfielder quietly going about his business in the background at Manchester United, Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

Signed for a reported fee of £27 million last season from Borussia Dortmund, Micki (as he is fondly called) was sparingly used by Jose Mourinho in the early stages of the 2016-17 season. So much so that he had played only 129 minutes of Premier League football until the beginning of December 2016. However, his form towards the end of the season was impressive and the Armenian could be set for a massive season at Old Trafford on the following grounds.

#1 Has settled in well after a slow start

The former Dortmund ace spent considerable time on the sidelines early in his Manchester United career but utilised this time well to settle down in a new league. He scored his first Manchester United goal on 8th December 2016 against Zorya Luhansk in the Europa League, a brilliant solo goal as the Armenian wizard ripped apart the opposing defence and opened his account in exquisite style.

Mkhitaryan went on to score six goals in the European competition including the second in Manchester United's 2-0 success in the Europa League final against Ajax.

Perhaps Micki saved his best performances for the continental competition, however, he displayed some stunning skills in the league at times. He won Manchester United's Goal of the Month award five times during the season despite scoring just 11 goals. Such was the brilliance of the ones he did score!

The 28-year-old was unplayable when on song and he gradually found his feet at United, mostly on the right flank. Each time Mkhitaryan, United's most creative player picked the ball up, there was a sense of excitement and expectation from the fans. He may have scored only four Premier League goals and assisted one in the league, but overall he enjoyed a rather successful end to his season.

He has created a good platform for himself for the next season.

#2 Mkhitaryan and Lukaku could forge a deadly partnership

The two could forge a lethal partnership for United up top

Mkhitaryan produced moments of magic on several occasions last season, including the famous scorpion kick against Sunderland. He was particularly effective when United counter-attacked as his blistering pace and dribbling skills tore apart opposing defences.

It is expected that United will play on the counter a lot more this season as indicated by their signing of Romelu Lukaku and Mkhitaryan could benefit from this change. Lukaku's arrival bodes well for the Armenian as the big Belgian forward is in the mould of a classic 'number nine' who likes to play in and around the penalty area.

Lukaku will be used as a target man who Mkhitaryan could play off, in the centre or on the flanks. Either way, the duo could forge a deadly partnership, particularly whilst on the break.

#3 Suits the continental style of football required for the Champions League

The Armenian has played in the Champions League in the past

Mkhitaryan is a technically gifted player who suits the modern continental style of football. This aspect of his game will be crucial for Manchester United along with his previous Champions League experience whilst at Shakhtar Donetsk and Borussia Dortmund.

He has played in the elite competition several times in the past and this experience will come in handy for the Red Devils as some of their current players like Lukaku, Fellaini, Herrera, Rashford, Lingard, etc lack sufficient continental exposure.

Jose Mourinho will be pleased to have, at his disposal, a player who has the experience and skills required to compete against the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

#4 Wayne Rooney's departure

Mkhi has large shoes to fill but he is more than capable of doing so

The departure of Wayne Rooney from Manchester United this summer means that there are massive shoes to be filled. The former club captain was largely used as an attacking midfielder, a 'number ten', and who better to take up that role now than Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

For one, the Armenian possesses dazzling skills and adds a sizeable amount of flair to the team that perhaps Juan Mata cannot. Mkhitaryan will also provide explosive pace, something Rooney was particularly short on towards the end of his Manchester United career. The 28-year-old has the ability to unlock the tightest of defences through his incisive passing in the final third as well.

#5 Positive early signs in pre-season

Mkhitaryan has sparkled in pre-season

Mkhitaryan has had a strong pre-season, often looking like the most creative United player. He stood out in United's 5-2 win against LA Galaxy. In that particular match, the Armenian sparked countless attacks and was a constant threat with his incisive passes and dribbling. He displayed exactly what he is capable of doing as he carved out numerous goal scoring opportunities for his teammates.

He looks sharp and has performed really well in the seven pre-season matches, scoring three goals in the process and ending the pre-season as the joint top scorer of the team. This, coupled with the fact that Mkhitaryan is 28 years old and at his peak, is exciting indeed for the United fans. In fact, just prior to joining the Red Devils last season, Mkhitaryan was adjudged to be the best player in the German top division in 2016 as he finished with the highest tally of assists (15) in the league.

He also ended the 2015-16 season with 23 goals and over 20 assists to his name in 53 matches for Dortmund. The stage is set for the Armenian skipper to have an explosive season at Old Trafford.