Ander Herrera says patience the key for Henrikh Mkhitaryan's rise to prominence at Manchester United
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Ander Herrera says patience has been the major reason for Henrikh Mkhitaryan's rise to prominence at Manchester United.
The Armenian arrived at Old Trafford for £26million in the summer, having been player of the year in the Bundesliga during his final season at Borussia Dortmund.
Yet Mkhitaryan, 27, struggled during the early months of the season to make his mark, and after being hauled off during the Manchester derby in September, didn't start another league fixture until December.
However, since then he has impressed for the Red Devils, scoring three goals in eight outings and impressing from a position on the right of midfield.
And Spanish midfielder Herrera, now in his fourth year with United, believes the patient approach is why supporters are seeing the best of Mkhitaryan now.
(Photo: Jan Kruger)
(Photo: Matthew Peters)
Herrera told Sky Sports: "The fans and the club and the staff have been patient with him, that's what I like with this club.
"They knew how good he is but football is not always the case that in your first second you will perform at your best. You have to settle down in one place, adapt yourself to a new life and club, to a new role.
"Now we are seeing the best Mkhitaryan. Or almost the best because I think he can be even better."