Manchester United have signed Alexis Sanchez from Arsenal in a deal that sees the Armenian midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan move in the opposite direction.
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Following this Mourinho’s men take on Tottenham in the Premier League while they still have to play Sanchez’s old club Arsenal once more this term – that game taking place at the end of April.
Alongside his statement, which thanked technical and medical staff as well as his Arsenal team-mates, Sanchez included a compilation video which showed a number of highlights from his three-and-a-half years at the club.
The Armenia global became one of Jose Mourinho’s first signings as United manager when he arrived from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2016.
Jamie Redknapp has predicted that Manchester United will emerge as a real force in the Premier League with Alexis Sanchez in their team.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger reacts in the stands during the EPL match away to Bournemouth January 14, 2018. Mkhitaryan, for his part, is determined to make his presence felt in north London.
Mkhitaryan struggled to establish himself in Jose Mourinho’s first team following a reported £26.3m move from Borussia Dortmund in 2016.
In an Instagram post, he took a parting shot at ex-Arsenal players who have criticised his attitude.
The 29-year-old Alexis Sanchez, missed Arsenal’s 4-1 league win over Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Dortmund are said to have suggested a swap involving Olivier Giroud, however a straight cash deal is still being pursued.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said of Sanchez’s move: ‘January has been hard for us, destabilising. He also scored in the Europa League final victory over Ajax last May, and started this season in brilliant form, registering five assists in his first four matches.
The former Barcelona star also visited Old Trafford where it is understood he was greeted by United legend Ferguson, who was pictured speaking to people sitting inside the 29-year-old’s taxi.
“City play one- and two-touch football and the players have to stick with that, often hiding the real talent they have”. He creates chances, he defends well, he can absorb distances and he’s very committed as well.
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“When a player of that ability comes along, I think you got to be in the market for him”, Irwin, who played over 500 games for United during 12 trophy-laden seasons, told Reuters.
