Sanchez is closing in on a move to Manchester United with the Arsenal star expected to seal a move to Old Trafford in the next 24 hours.

The Chile international will move to the Red Devils despite for months being keen to link up with Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.

For United, it will represent a significant boost, particularly given fans’ disappointment at their 2-1 defeat to City on home soil last month.

And the Manchester Evening News say it was that crushing setback that led United to chase a deal for Alexis Sanchez.

News of the Red Devils’ interest only broke last week.

But it has since emerged United have spent the last seven months exploring ways for a deal to be struck.

And the MEN say United have moved for Sanchez now, rather than wait until the end of the campaign, because of their loss to City.

David Silva and Nicolas Otamendi won the game for Guardiola’s side, all but ending United’s hopes of title glory.

And Mourinho supposedly feels the signing of Sanchez is the perfect way to boost morale among the fans.

Meanwhile, Sky Sports pundit Tim Sherwood thinks the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool would have preferred for Sanchez to join City instead of United.

“It’s the way the game is but yeah it always surprises me,” Sherwood said on talkSPORT of Alexis Sanchez’s proposed wages. 

“It’s a massive amount of money. He’s a good player. 

“I think it’s bad news for every other team who are trying to chase the top four when he goes to Man United over City. 

“I think it would have been a relief to everyone if he went to City. 

“Although they’re home and dry he’s going to strengthen any team that he goes to. 

“If he goes to Man United he’s going to make them better.”