Henrikh Mkhitaryan taking part in Manchester United pre-season training. (Picture: Getty)

Henrikh Mkhitaryan has told how his former Borussia Dortmund team-mate Shinji Kagawa help edge him toward a move to Manchester United.

Mkhitaryan made the switch from the Bundesliga club to the Premier League earlier this month in a £26million deal and, with some trepidation, held conversations with his former colleague Kagawa about life in Manchester.

Kagawa, the 27-year-old Japanese attacking midfielder who was the last Dortmund man to make the switch to Old Trafford, struggled to find a regular place in the starting team despite a resounding agreement of the undeniable qualities he possessed.

Shinji Kagawa and Henrikh Mkhitaryan at Borussia Dortmund last season. (Picture: Getty)

Shinji Kagawa spent two seasons at Manchester United. (Picture: Getty)

Unhappy with his treatment by Manchester United, Kagawa made a swift return back to Dortmund after just two seasons. in what was a disappointing time for Kagawa, Mkhitaryan surprising revealed that it was the Japan star’s kind words that swayed him into a move.




‘I never promise something, I always say that I will try,’ Mkhitaryan told the Telegraph when asked about Kagawa’s struggles. ‘Because if you promise something and you don’t do it you will always be under pressure. I want to do everything to get to a new level

‘Every time Shinji talked about Manchester he told me something good so it gives a good impression,’ the Armenian added. ‘You have to try and do everything to show your best qualities otherwise you will not be here anymore.’