Why Manchester United’s Attack Could Get A Massive Boost By Signing This £28.8m Chelsea Star

Manchester United’s Mkhitaryan vs Chelsea’s Willian – A Statistical Comparison

Willian has spent a considerable amount of time on Chelsea’s bench this season, which has fuelled the rumours that he might be looking for an exit in search of more playing time. If reports are to be believed, Manchester United are interested in a move for the winger and could make a January move to sign him. The £28.8m rated attacker has made just 31 starts for the defending champions ever since Antonio Conte took charge. Clearly, a player of his potential deserves more and a move to join the Red Devils could be enticing.

Primarily operating on the right-wing, Willian will prove to be competition for Henrikh Mkhitaryan if he moves to Old Trafford. United have been understandably frustrated with the Armenian’s lack of impact on the field. He has not provided enough creativity or support to the attack, which has often created a lot of issues for the club in some of the matches they have played so far. Hence, Willian is likely to be an upgrade, especially since he has Premier League experience and superior skills when compared with Mkhitaryan.

However, what do their numbers say? Let’s take a look at them to get a better idea.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan vs Willian

In 16 appearances for Manchester United so far this season, Mkhitaryan has made 16 appearances, during which he has spent 1099 minutes on the field. He has chipped in with 2 goals – one in the Premier League and one in the Champions League, while also providing 5 assists. The player picked up one yellow card and averages 1.3 shots per game. He has a pass success-rate of 83.2%, making about 1.8 key passes per game. He wins about 0.5 aerial duels on an average and picked up one Man of The Match award in a league match.

Willian, on the other hand, has made 19 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea but he has spent only 910 minutes on the field. He has scored 2 goals in the Champions League and one in the Premier League, while also providing an assist each in both competitions. He has not been booked this season so far and averages 1 shot per game. He has a pass success-rate of 76.8%, making 1.1 key passes per game on an average. Winning about 0.2 aerial duels a game, Willian has won 2 Man of The Match awards, with both of them coming in the Champions League.

Verdict

Mkhitaryan did earn the tag of a ‘stats-padder’ this season but even then, Willian seems to have a far better record in terms of contribution and value addition. Hence, given the lack of support United have received from the right wing, Willian could most certainly be an upgrade when compared to Mkhitaryan.