Henrikh Mkhitaryan joined Manchester United only six months ago but his knowledge of the club goes back much further.
The Armenian who scored that spectacular 'scorpion' goal on Boxing Day was asked by United Review earlier this month which Reds stars he used to enjoy watching. During the following 'Football and Me' interview, he gave an interesting answer to that and several other questions...
Which United player from the past did you most enjoy watching?
I started watching United at the time when Eric Cantona was in the team, and I loved watching him play. Andrei Kanchelskis was another who I'd keep an eye out for - as he was a Russian player I found that very interesting. But, in terms of a United idol, that would have to be Sir Alex Ferguson.
Who was your football hero when you were growing up?
Zinedine Zidane, not just for his vision on the pitch but for the fact he was such a leader. He was always talking to his team-mates and helping them.
Do you have any pre-match superstitions?
No, I don't. I used to do certain things before a game when I was younger but, as I got older, I realised that everything I needed to perform as a footballer was in my head.
Which goal have you celebrated most as a player?
It was a goal for the Armenian Under-21 team against Turkey in 2009. It was a very important game for us, and I scored the winner in the last minute. It was the most emotion I've ever felt after scoring a goal.
And the best goal you've ever scored?
I couldn't answer that one, as I've scored a lot [laughs]. Hopefully, there are a lot more goals to come for me at United.
Footnote: Since taking part in the Q&A, Mkhitaryan has netted what he now considers to be "the best goal I've ever scored" - his acrobatic finish against Sunderland on Boxing Day. Thanks, Henrikh!
This interview was first published in United Review on 11 December. Single issues and subscriptions are available from www.manutd.com/programme.
