Henrikh Mkhitaryan MUST start for Manchester United against Spurs, say Michael Owen and Paul Scholes
Former Red Devils stars say Armenian winger has to be picked by Jose Mourinho after first goal for club
HENRIKH MKHITARYAN must start for Manchester United against Spurs, say Michael Owen and Paul Scholes.
The former Red Devils stars were impressed with the Armenian winger as he opened his scoring account for Jose Mourinho's side against Zorya.
And with the crunch clash against Tottenham at home on Sunday, the pair insist Mkhitaryan has done enough to end his spell in the wilderness.
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They even believe he can bump Juan Mata out of the starting XI.
Asked whether Mkhitaryan should start, Owen said: "He would be my first choice in one of three positions. Jose will be picking his team, with Ibra up top and whether it’s left, right or central, he’s my first choice.
"Mata’s had a fantastic season, and they've got the pace of Marcus Rashford and the experience and quality of Wayne Rooney.
"You’ve got so many options – Lingard, Martial - but Mkhitaryan would go in first for me."
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And Scholes said United fans are finally starting to see the ex-Borussia Dortmund player at his peak.
He said: "Three or four weeks ago I thought it was only a matter of time before he started producing and we’re seeing that now, with a little run of games, he’s starting to produce.
"What’s he got different from Mata is that pace. Mata’s got the trick but has he got the pace to go past people? I don’t think he has.
"I think Mkhitaryan has got the trick and the pace to go past people and produce what he did tonight."