Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s national team manager has taken a swipe at Jose Mourinho, claiming the midfielder had a “problem” with the Manchester United boss and declaring: “It is good he has left.”

Artur Petrosyan spoke of his irritation at Mourinho’s decision not to field Armenia’s captain and star player, who he said would “play better football” and “become even stronger” under Arsene Wenger at Arsenal.

Speaking after Mkhitaryan’s United purgatory finally ended when he moved to the Emirates Stadium in a swap deal with Alexis Sanchez, Petrosyan said: “We are very happy with this transfer from Manchester United. His style of play will be better suited at Arsenal.

“It is my impression that I think Henrikh had a problem with the coach [Mourinho], and, at Arsenal, it will be another thing and not the same situation. There will not be so much pressure on him defensively.”

He added of Wenger and Arsenal: “He likes them to play better football. I think Wenger is better for Henrikh.