Henrikh Mkhitaryan's scorpion kick against Sunderland in 2016 must be on the list of the best ever goals scored at Old Trafford . It was a special acrobatic effort and a reminder of why he was signed from Borussia Dortmund after a slow start and a spell on the sidelines with a muscle injury. "It looked to be phenomenal," said Jose Mourinho about Mkhitaryan's goal. "I think he scored in the right goal, the Stretford End where the people are very enthusiastic just behind. "It was a great moment, and for him very important because he was going up and up and then the injury comes and he was out for two matches, and he is back. And to be back, not just with a goal, because I also think he brought quality with his performance, and I'm obviously happy". There were high hopes for Mkhitaryan, but he didn't live up to his billing during his year-and-a-half spent with Manchester United and his magical moments in a red shirt were fleeting. United thought their £26.3m signing of Mkhitaryan from Dortmund was value in July 2016. The Armenia international had been named the 2015/16 Bundesliga player of the season after scoring 23 goals and Mourinho was delighted to sign him "Henrikh is a real team player with great skill, vision and also has a good eye for goal," said Mourinho when the deal was announced.. "I am delighted he has chosen United. I believe he will make an impact on the team very quickly as his style of play is suited to the Premier League . We are all looking forward to working with him." Mkhitaryan was prominent during the 2016 pre-season tour and fans were excited about the impact he could have, but Mourinho left him on the bench for the first three games of the season and hooked him at half-time against Manchester City when he made his first start for the club. Then Mkhitaryan picked up a muscle injury, which ruled him out until November, and his time in Manchester never truly set alight, despite scoring that scorpion kick and netting against Ajax in the 2017 Europa League final. Mkhitaryan's goal at the start of the second half against Ajax in Stockholm sealed United's first trophy in Europe for nine years, but he was used as a makeweight in a deal to sign Alexis Sanchez from Arsenal just eight months later. The playmaker had a flying start at the Emirates with two goals and six assists in 11 games, and seemed to take a swipe at Mourinho's style when he spoke shortly after his move to London. Speaking in 2018, Mkhitaryan explained: "When I heard I could swap Man United for Arsenal, I said, 'Yes, I want to do that. I didn't think twice. It's important for me to play in an offensive team. "I couldn't have imagined a better start. I'd missed playing offensively. I joined Arsenal because [Arsene] Wenger wanted me, not because he wanted to replace Sanchez. We are different players and characters, with different abilities and skills, so I'll try my best to do everything for the club." Mourinho shared his view and said: "I think was a fantastic deal and a fantastic deal is only fantastic if it is good for everybody. United and Arsenal made a fantastic deal, I lost a fantastic player, Mr Wenger lost a fantastic player, Alexis changed from a fantastic club to a giant club. "And Mkhi changed for a fantastic club, so was a great deal for everybody. I believe Mkhi is going to be even better than he was with us. With one and a half years in England, adapted, knows, Arsenal play the way they think, I think is a good move for everybody, that’s why I’m also happy for Mkhi. "Could he perform better with us? Could I take more from his talent? Maybe. Could he give a little more also to adapt to us? Maybe but I don’t think regrets, he’s in our history, so good feeling for everybody and a very specific transfer between rivals in a big country which I have to say must happen more times." Mourinho's answer suggested there wasn't any ill will between himself and Mkhitaryan, but the pair clashed at Carrington - once over breakfast when Mourinho had a pop at his player. “Once Mourinho saw me at breakfast and said to me: Because of you, the press criticises me,” Mkhitaryan recalled in 2020. "I replied: Really, mister? I’m not doing it on purpose’. “At United, there were paparazzi three days a week. They filmed you as you got in the car. Once you arrived at the sports centre they were already there. Every step was controlled.” Mkhitaryan was asked if working with Mourinho was difficult and said: "I could say yes. He’s a winner by nature. He wants you to win and you do what he asks you. It’s difficult for anyone. There have been conflicts, but they have not had a strong impact on good work and the three trophies won.” A year later, Mkhitaryan looked back on his time at United with The Athletic . He admitted he didn't regret moving to Old Trafford, but described his relationship with Mourinho as "difficult" again. “At that time, he was one of the most successful coaches in the world. I think he was the coach with the most trophies. So that was a different experience," said a mature Mkhitaryan. "It was very hard but I learned a lot as well. I learned how to defend, how to help the team. It was not only about scoring goals and making assists. It was more about the team winning. "So it doesn’t matter who scored, we had to win together. It didn’t matter who made the assist we must always be happy that we won the game. What I want to say is that I had a hard time but after the first two or three months there, I had a very good time. I won three trophies with the club, which was amazing. You know, some players have been playing in Manchester for ages but they haven’t won anything.” Mkhitaryan added about his favourites memories: “First of all, it’s not only about football, it’s about the relationships you have with people. It’s not like you come, play and then go away. "You make friends, and I was friends with Paul Pogba, David de Gea, Juan Mata, Marcus Rashford, Eric Bailly. We still send each other messages, I wouldn’t say every day or every month but we do when there’s an opportunity. There’s always a reason to congratulate each other." Mkhitaryan is now 36 and plays for Inter Milan. He is a regular starter and is playing a key role in their defence of their Serie A title. His time in Manchester didn't work out as hoped, but he's enjoyed a great career and it's not a surprise he has no regrets.