Henrikh Mkhitaryan has just removed a mask. In his new book published in Italy, the Inter Milan midfielder looks back on his last nightmarish months at Manchester United under the orders of José Mourinho. Revelations which undermine the image of the “Special One” as a manager of men and reveal a dark side that many still refuse to see.
“You are shit”
Mkhitaryan's story is chilling: “I said to him: 'You've been criticizing me for a year and a half now, since I arrived at Manchester United.' Mourinho then replied that I was 'shit'. I just freaked out and told him: 'No, you're the s**t. A huge one.' » The confrontation ends with a clear order from the Portuguese: “Get out of here, I never want to see you again.” »
But what follows reveals even more troubling behavior. Mkhitaryan says:
“During training sessions, the coach didn't say anything to me, he remained at a religious level of silence, but every evening he sent me a message via WhatsApp. 'Miki, please leave.' » A daily psychological pressure that the Armenian describes as “grotesque”.
Harassment by WhatsApp
The situation deteriorated in mid-January when the message changed: “Miki, please leave, so I can have Alexis Sanchez.” » Mourinho wants to bring the Chilean from Arsenal and is pushing his player towards the exit by all means. Mkhitaryan finally responds : “I'm not leaving just to do you a favor, and please stop writing to me. If you want, talk to Mino (Raiola). »
These explosive revelations call into question Mourinho's reputation as a great manager of men. The image of the charismatic and protective coach takes a hit in the face of this story of intimidation and harassment. Mkhitaryan concludes with irony: “And everyone lived happily ever after.” » A bitter way to turn the page on a period he will never forget. The person concerned does not specify, however, that the two men ended up meeting at Roma and worked together without the slightest hitch.
