Manchester United midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan insists transfer was not motivated by money

Manchester United midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan is not happy simply collecting a big pay cheque at Old Trafford. The 27-year-old Armenian joined the Red Devils during the summer transfer window, but has only started one game so far this season.

Mkhitaryan's lack of playing time has led fans to question whether he has a future at United, while manager Jose Mourinho has also called on Mkhitaryan to make more of an impact at the club. Mkhitaryan was considered to be a stellar signing for United when he joined from Borussia Dortmund for around £26m ($32.5m), and the midfielder is determined to work his way into Mourinho's plans.

"I had three very successful years in Germany with Borussia Dortmund, but I had the opportunity to move to one of the biggest clubs in the highest-profile league in the world," the United star said, according to The Mirror.

"I was always taught by my father to challenge myself and to continue to evolve in my career, and I saw the move to Manchester United as an opportunity to grow as a player and as a person."

Mkhitaryan refuted the idea he joined United because of the eye-watering salary offered to him. "It was definitely not the salary that made me join Manchester United, I went for football reasons – for the history of the club, the league, the fans and the coach, because he is one of the best in the world," he said.

And despite his lack of playing time, Mkhitaryan is still enjoying life in Manchester. "There is not much sun, but I didn't move to Manchester to go to the beach," the United midfielder shared. "It has been relatively simple to adapt to the city because people are so friendly to me. It's a dynamic city and one I like to live in. I'm only missing playing time, but it will come for sure. I keep working hard and this will pay off."