Dortmund star ‘surprised’ by Mkhitaryan’s United move
Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s move to Manchester United has “surprised” his Borussia Dortmund teammate Marcel Schmelzer.
Mkhitaryan is expected to seal a move to Old Trafford for around £26.3m this summer, and will undergo a medical with the club on Wednesday.
The Armenian was set to remain in Germany for the final year of his contract, but United improved their bid for the attacker and Dortmund were persuaded to accept.
Schmelzer, left-back for the German club, has admitted that he is “surprised” the 27-year-old looks to be on the verge of leaving after three years in the Bundesliga.
“I was surprised that ‘Micki’ decided to make the move after all,” said the defender. “Many players after the season talked to him about his plans.
“In the end, all you can do is to accept the decision.
“It’s a major upheaval when your captain leaves and also a player like ‘Micki,’ who’s had a hand in 55 goals last season.
“The key now will be to offset it as a team. We have signed a lot of talented players, who will have to grow into their role. It will be difficult in any case because you can’t replace Mats and ‘Micki’ like-for-like.”
