Mkhitaryan's Last Dance: From Premier League Disaster to European History

By Lewis Barnett 31 May, 2025 6 mins read 90 Views

God, what a journey this has been.

I still remember watching that cringey piano video when Alexis Sanchez signed for United back in 2018. You know the one – him tinkling the keys while "Glory Glory Man United" played in the background. Made my toes curl then, makes them curl now. But here's the thing everyone missed: while Sanchez was busy becoming one of the biggest flops in Premier League history, the guy who went the other way in that swap deal is about to make football history.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan. Remember him? Probably not, if I'm being honest.

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The Forgotten Man Who Wouldn't Stay Forgotten

At 36, this Armenian midfielder who bombed spectacularly at both United and Arsenal is now 90 minutes away from becoming the first player ever to win all three European competitions. Yeah, you read that right. The same guy who couldn't get a work permit to play in the 2019 Europa League final in Baku (talk about cruel irony – Armenia and Azerbaijan's political mess cost him that night) is now Inter Milan's secret weapon.

I've been covering football for fifteen years, and I can't think of a more unlikely redemption story.

Mourinho ditched him in that Sanchez deal because he thought Mkhitaryan was too soft for the Premier League. "Lightweight and passive" was how most people described him back then. Fair enough – he did look like a ghost at a family reunion whenever the tackles started flying at Old Trafford.

Serie A: Where Old Guys Go to Shine

But here's what Jose got wrong (and trust me, that doesn't happen often). Sometimes it's not about the player – it's about finding the right stage.

In Italy, they worship experience. Mkhitaryan's playing alongside fellow fossils like Matteo Darmian (another ex-United casualty), Yann Sommer, and Francesco Acerbi. These guys were all born in the 1980s, which... Christ, makes me feel ancient too.

Yet somehow this collection of "has-beens" knocked out Harry Kane's Bayern Munich and survived an absolute goalfest against Barcelona (7-6 on aggregate – my heart rate still hasn't recovered from that semi-final).

Inzaghi's Farewell Tour?

The subplot here is Simone Inzaghi potentially coaching his last game for Inter. Saudi money calling, apparently. He was coy about it yesterday: "I will meet the club's senior management and have a chat next week in a very relaxed manner." Yeah, right. Nothing relaxed about Al-Hilal's reported offer.

Poor guy lost the Champions League final to City two years ago when his team probably deserved better. Now he's got another shot, but the vultures are already circling.

His captain Lautaro Martinez (9 goals in this Champions League run – absolute machine) says they want to dedicate the trophy to their coach. Sweet sentiment, but let's be real: they want to dedicate it to themselves first.

The Bookies Can't Call It

PSG versus Inter. Youth versus experience. French flair versus Italian grit.

The betting markets are basically a coin flip, which tells you everything. PSG have better individual talent on paper, but Inter have something you can't buy: players who've been through the wars and lived to tell about it.

Mkhitaryan already has Europa League and Conference League medals – both won under Mourinho, ironically enough. One with United in 2017, another with Roma in 2022. The Special One might have given up on him, but the Armenian never gave up on himself.

Munich Awaits

Tonight in Munich, we'll find out if experience really does count for something. Mkhitaryan thinks it will: "I hope experience will count in the final. It's not just me, I have a lot of experienced team-mates."

He's not wrong. This Inter squad has Champions League winners, World Cup winners, guys who've seen it all and done most of it. They've learned from heartbreak, grown from disappointment.

Sometimes the best stories aren't about the young superstars everyone expects to succeed. Sometimes they're about the forgotten men who refuse to fade away.

Mkhitaryan's been written off more times than I can count. Tonight, he might just write the perfect ending.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Premier League?

The Premier League is England's top football league and one of its most popular and competitive leagues. It is contested between 20 teams. The English Football League (EFL) operates a system for promotion and relegation. The teams play 38 matches each year (home and abroad), with the season running typically from August until May. The Premier League is known for its high-quality football, international array of star players, and significant global following.

What happens if a team finishes at the bottom in the Premier League?

The bottom three teams in each Premier League are relegated, and this is done at the end of every season. The Championship, or second tier, of English football, takes their place. In their place, the top two teams from the Championship, along with the winner of the Championship playoffs, are promoted to the Premier League for the following season.

What distinguishes the Premier League from other European football leagues?

The Premier League stands out from other European leagues for several reasons, including its global reach, financial strength and competitive depth. The league has a vast international audience and lucrative television rights deals. The Premier League is also known for being unpredictable. On any given matchday lower-ranked sides have a good chance to defeat the top teams. The intensity of the stadium atmosphere and the fast pace of the game also contribute to its unique identity.

How has Premier League developed since its formation?

The Premier League, which was founded in 1992 has seen significant changes. It started with a breakaway of the Football League for a lucrative TV rights deal. Since then, the league has become a global phenomenon. It attracts top talent from around the globe, undergoes branding changes and experiences massive revenue increases. The league also saw advancements in training facilities, stadium technologies and sports science.

Do Premier League clubs have any financial regulations?

The Premier League does have financial regulations known as Financial Fair Play rules (FFP). These are meant to stop clubs from going beyond their means, and promote financial stability. The rules stipulate that clubs must limit their losses for a period of three years and ensure their expenditures don't exceed their football-related earnings. The regulations aim to promote responsible spending, and to maintain a competitive balance in the league.

Statistics

The record for the most goals scored in a single Premier League season by a player is 32, achieved by Mohamed Salah during the 2017-2018 campaign.
Chelsea established the Premier League’s greatest goal difference of +71 in the 2009–2010 season, showcasing their offensive prowess and defensive strength.
The 2018–19 season saw Manchester City accumulate a staggering 100 points, setting the record for the highest total in Premier League history.
Alan Shearer is the all-time top scorer in the Premier League with 260 goals across his stellar career.
Ryan Giggs holds the distinction of scoring in 21 consecutive Premier League seasons, marking consistency seldom seen in such a demanding league.

External Links

How To

Learn Premier League Chants.

Chants & songs are a big part of the Premier League atmosphere. Watch matches and pay attention to the crowds, especially those of the home side. Many fan websites and forums will have lyrics to popular chants. YouTube also has many videos of football chants. Join local groups to sing and learn the chants. Learning these will enrich your experiences at matches and help you feel a deeper connection to your club's culture.

Did you miss our previous article...
https://sportingexcitement.com/premier-league/the-coaching-carousel-that-nobody-saw-coming