Henrikh Mkhitaryan Hopes for 'New Start' After Manchester United vs. Feyenoord

Manchester United winger Henrikh Mkhitaryan has spoken of his desire to see a "new start" at the club after impressing in Thursday night's 4-0 thrashing of UEFA Europa League opponents Feyenoord. 

The Armenia international grasped his opportunity after manager Jose Mourinho handed him just his second start for the club, and Mkhitaryan said after the game he hopes for a new beginning, per the Sun's John Hutchinson:

"

I’m glad to back. It was a pleasure to start the game. I’ve tried to do my best and it’s a very good result for the team. 

It was very difficult to watch the team playing from the side but you have to have passion and work hard to deliver on your next chance.

I hope it’s new start, let’s see.

"

Mkhitaryan lined up on the left flank in what was just his seventh overall appearance for the Red Devils since joining from Borussia Dortmund in the summer, and he contributed an energetic and forward-thinking display.

His performance drew plaudits from fans and pundits alike, and the Old Trafford supporters were roused into applause when he and captain Wayne Rooney—who also dazzled—departed in the 82nd minute, per the club's official Twitter account:

Thursday's outing provided a glimmer of hope in what has otherwise been a difficult time for the former Shakhtar Donetsk man, who hasn't featured for United in the Premier League since the Manchester derby on September 10.

However, Statman Dave added some insight in illustrating just what a powerful figure Mkhitaryan was in front of goal for the Red Devils, including a tally of six shots himself, per WhoScored.com:

Despite only moving to England in the summer, there was a sense that Mkhitaryan could be facing a short stay under Mourinho unless things improved soon, and a star display against Feyenoord was just the boost he needed.

Rob Dawson of the Manchester Evening News even went so far as to suggest the European showcase should see Mkhitaryan's domestic fortunes improve, so much so that he deserves to start in their upcoming league clash against West Ham United at Old Trafford on Sunday:

"

He was under a lot of pressure after all the fuss that has surrounded his absence. But if he felt it, it certainly didn’t show.

He was United’s most dangerous player and could have scored had he enjoyed a bit more luck. It was a performance that ensures he will be involved against West Ham on Sunday. He will be unlucky not to start.

"

In total, Mkhitaryan has played 104 minutes of Premier League football, per Transfermarkt, and his only other start for the Red Devils came in that September defeat to bitter rivals City.

However, following an absence from the squad and niggling injury concerns, there is hope this could be the rebirth of the playmaker's United career, and many fans have been in support of their summer arrival:

It was only last season that Mkhitaryan scored 23 goals and recorded 32 assists during his final term in Dortmund, and those are the kinds of figures United supporters will be hoping to see from their star in the near future.

It may be some time before we see those numbers realised, with the player still adapting to a new team and league, but the future looks brighter after a breakout display in midweek.