Mkhitaryan vows to score more against Spurs

LONDON: Manchester United winger Henrikh Mkhitaryan has pledged more goals against Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League tomorrow – as Jose Mourinho praises his Armenian signing for overcoming his “difficult” start.

Mkhitaryan broke his United duck by netting a superb solo effort against Zorya on Thursday to seal a spot in the Europa League last 32. And he said he is now desperate to score at Old Trafford in front of the home faithful who have waited so long for him to realise his potential.

He said: “I think it can be a weight off my shoulders because I was waiting a long time for this goal, but my next goal has to be at Old Trafford because I want to score at home.

“It’s another pleasure to score at Old Trafford so I’ll try my best to do that.”

Mourinho waxed lyrical about his summer signing – who Michael Owen and Paul Scholes said must start tomorrow – while admitting that he did struggle to adapt to life in the Premier League.

Asked about Mkhitaryan’s mental strength, the boss said: “It was a strong mentality. He was determined to fight against his difficult adaptation.

“He worked hard physically and tactically – the talent was there, we knew that when we bought him.

“Now he’s playing good – in the Premier League, Europa League and League Cup, and now the goal means a little more happiness for him, so I’m very pleased.”

United go into tomorrow’s showdown one spot lower than Spurs but six points behind them.

Not that that worries Paul Pogba, who said the Red Devils can thrive now that Mkhitaryan is nearing his best.

He said: “We know how good he is. Now he’s confident he’s just getting going. We need him in the team.”