On Saturday, the Daily Mail claimed that Arsenal had an agreement to sign Henrikh Mkhitaryan before Jose Mourinho decided he wanted him as an ornament and offered £7m more.

Confusion reigns amongst Manchester United fans, according to the Mail. Why did Mourinho sign a player he won’t use? It’s not just United fans asking that question.

Then, as I wrote the opening paragraph, it all became clear. Mourinho purchased him to stop Arsenal getting him!

Seems like something he would do, doesn’t it?

It’s certainly not a tactic that is beneath the man who refused to let Demba Ba join on loan. Remember, he also fought against Petr Cech joining.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 29: Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Anthony Martial of Manchester United are seen on the stand prior to the Premier League match between Manchester United and Burnley at Old Trafford on October 29, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Mark Robinson/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 29: Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Anthony Martial of Manchester United are seen on the stand prior to the Premier League match between Manchester United and Burnley at Old Trafford on October 29, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Mark Robinson/Getty Images)

The Mail claims Arsenal reached an agreement with Borussia Dortmund for the player. Then a better offer from United arrived. Coupled with the player’s concerns over playing time at Arsenal (he’s started one game at United and was hauled off at halftime), he made his decision.

Mkhitaryan was right to worry about not getting enough playing time at Arsenal. United were a club that had more space for him in midfield given their lack of talent in there. They still are.

Time makes fools of us all.

In total, he has 104 Premier League minutes this season over four games. He’s made 55 passes (48 complete) and created three chances.