Man United sign Mkhitaryan for four seasons

Manchester United on Wednesday completed the signing of Armenian attacking midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan from Borussia Dortmund for four football seasons.

The 27-year-old Armenia captain, who scored 23 goals in 52 games for Dortmund last season, was contracted with the Bundesliga club till 2017. He has reportedly cost United around $33 million.

"Manchester United is delighted to announce that Henrikh Mkhitaryan has completed his transfer from Borussia Dortmund. Henrikh joins on a four-year contract with the option to extend for a further year," United said in a statement.

Mkhitaryan, 27, made 140 appearances and scored 41 goals for Dortmund after joining them in 2013.

The midfielder is Armenia's all-time top scorer, with 19 goals in 59 appearances since his international debut in January 2007. Henrikh has received the Armenian Footballer of the Year award on five occasions.

"I am very proud to join Manchester United, this move is a dream come true for me. I am excited to play for a club with such an illustrious history and hope to be part of it for a long time," Mkhitaryan said.

"I thank the trust the club and Jose Mourinho have put in me. Finally, I believe playing for such a great club honours my father's memory, and the inspiration and drive he gave to me when I was young."

He becomes new United chief coach Jose Mourinho's third signing, following the capture of Villarreal defender Eric Bailly and the free transfer of star Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Mourinho said: "Henrikh is a very talented footballer who has been in such prolific form for both his club and his country. He is a real team player with great skill, vision and also has a good eye for goal.

"I am delighted he has chosen to sign for United. I believe he will make an impact on the team very quickly as his style of play is suited to the Premier League. We are all looking forward to working with him."

Mkhitaryan began his career at Armenian side Pyunik, before playing for both Metalurh and Shakhtar Donetsk, prior to his move to Dortmund.

The versatile player, who can play as a winger as well as an attacking midfielder, has scored 104 goals in 298 club games.

He is the son of one of Armenia's most famous footballers, Hamlet Mkhitaryan.

--IANS

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