Bet of the day: Man Utd’s Mkhitaryan to dispatch first v Dortmund

In a slick first-half performance the attacking midfielder threatened the net but did not convert, though after shaking off the rust in that wrangle should be back to his ruthless ways as he seeks to sink one past ex-club Dortmund.

Mkhitaryan was named in the Bundesliga Team of the Season for 2015/16 after his potent performances for the German giants, and notched 23 in all competitions plus 32 assists before departing Dortmund for Man Utd in deal believed to be worth £28m.

With the extra motivation of facing his old team as well as trying to impress his new tactician, Mkhitaryan should be eager to open his unofficial Red Devils account.

As one of the most experienced members of the squad expected to figure in this encounter, Mkhitaryan may have to shoulder the scoring burden alongside the likes of Juan Mata and Memphis Depay – which could be bad news for BVB’s backline.

Having sold star defender Mats Hummels to rivals Bayern Munich, BVB look vulnerable at the back when coming up against the Red Devils’ riches in attack, with Mkhitaryan’s movement and finishing set to cause trouble.

The 27-year-old Armenia international is even tipped to be restored to his favoured role on the right wing where he has the potential to be even more devastating roaming inside than when deployed centrally. So, back Mkhitaryan at 6/1 to bag the first goal for Mourinho’s Man Utd.

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