Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has conceded that Henrikh Mkhitaryan struggled to cope with the competition in the squad at Manchester United.
Mkhitaryan joined Arsenal on Monday evening as part of the deal that saw Alexis Sanchez move to Manchester United in a rare straight swap deal between two top clubs.
The Armenian played a key role in helping Manchester United win the Europa League last season after joining from Dortmund in 2016, but he slowly faded away this term as his performances declined.
He is hopeful of returning to his peak form at Arsenal and Wenger stressed that he has no doubts about the quality and the attitude of the new Gunner.
However, the Frenchman did admit Mkhitaryan struggled to adapt to the intense competition for places in the Manchester United squad.
relatedNewsStory
Wenger said in a press conference: “I have no doubt about his attitude.
“He suffered a bit with the competition he had there [Manchester United].”
The Arsenal boss is keen to take up the challenge of getting the best out of the Armenian at Old Trafford.
Asked if he believes whether his time at Manchester United has affected Mkhitaryan's confidence, Wenger said: “I will know how much over the next few weeks.
“That’s his challenge and my challenge to get the talent, he definitely has, out there.”
