Manchester United fans will have absolutely loved the stat that’s been doing the rounds since their 4-0 win over Swansea.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s four assists so far this season mean he is just three away from equalling Philippe Coutinho’s best ever record in an entire campaign.

It hasn’t always been plain sailing for the Armenian since his move to Old Trafford from Borussia Dortmund a year ago.

As a former Bundesliga Player of the Year, expectations were high when Jose Mourinho initially brought him in.

However, it was his manager who seemed to doubt him the most.

Following a disappointing performance in the Manchester derby – albeit in a game when the 28-year-old was being played out of his preferred position – he struggled for a starting place and on occasion, he was left out of the matchday squad altogether.

Full credit to the playmaker for turning his United career around.

It’s clear that whatever Mourinho told him, he has worked on.

WHAT MKHI GOT WRONG 
And in a press conference ahead of this weekend’s game against Leicester, the Portuguese was able to explain exactly what went wrong in their relationship last term.

“I think Henrikh understands me, and to be honest, I understand him,” Mourinho said, quoted via BBC Sport.

“In the beginning of last season if he understands me better, he would have started better.

“But at the same time, if I understood him better, I would probably have helped him in a faster way than I did.

“But we spent our time together, working together, learning each other. The second part of last season was good for him and I believe with his talent that this season is going to be even better.”

Mourinho admits it was not entirely Mkhitaryan’s fault that he took a while to settle.

JOSE’S ADVICE FOR MARTIAL 
Another player he is hoping will continue to improve is Anthony Martial.

Speculation has linked the French international with a move away from the club, but his boss insists he has more to give.

“I hope he will be better this season than last [for Martial]” he added.

“When you have some talent you cannot waste. When you are blessed with talent, you have to fulfil and explore it. You cannot be happy with just glimpses. That I am not going to change.”