Former England international Paul Merson says Henrikh Mkhitaryan is Manchester United’s ‘best player,’ Goal.com reports.
Manchester United’s 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Chelsea on Sunday, which has left them with just one victory in their last six Premier League outings, has sparked inevitable discussion regarding what Jose Mourinho needs to do in order to rejuvenate his Red Devils.
Paul Merson is among those who feel the Portuguese needs to get ruthless with his under-performing squad, culling those struggling for form and introducing those unfortunate to have found themselves on the outside looking in.
He wrote in his Sky Sports column on potential changes to United’s forward line: “Ibrahimovic used to be world class but he’s 35. He used to be in the top three or four players in the world but he’s not the same player anymore. Even Lionel Messi won’t be world class when he’s 35.
“He can’t play twice a week either now, which we saw on Sunday. He played Thursday and Sunday and he didn’t get a kick.
“I think Wayne Rooney has got to come back in. He got the blame before they dropped him and they’ve not improved since then. He got dropped for not doing too much wrong.
“At the moment I just don’t think Mourinho has options that he likes on the bench. At least if he drops Ibrahimovic then he’ll have an option to bring him on.”
Merson also feels that the Red Devils need to bring added creativity to their ranks by offering an opportunity to a summer signing he considers to be the best player on the Old Trafford books.
He added: “I think he [Mourinho] needs to get Henrikh Mkhitaryan fit and in the team. He’s got the X Factor and they need to get him playing.
