Finally.
Alexis Sanchez is a Manchester United player.
The medical was completed on Sunday, but United fans had to wait until Monday night for the official announcement of the Chilean's transfer from Arsenal.
After the move was confirmed, Sanchez told MUTV: "Since I was a young lad I’ve always said that my dream was to play for Manchester United, and I’m not just saying that because I’m here now and today it’s come true.
"It really is a massive club, very powerful, and so now, when I got the opportunity to come here, I looked at the badge and my hairs just stood up on end because it’s a powerful club and the biggest in England."
Sanchez is now due to train with his new teammates at Carrington for the first time this morning ahead of a possible debut at Yeovil in the FA Cup on Friday night.
Stick with us as we bring you all the transfer news on Alexis Sanchez LIVE from Old Trafford.
Key Events
United 'target' Lucas Moura speaks out about his future
It’s pretty fair to say United ‘target’ Lucas Moura is NOT happy at PSG.
The winger has been frozen out at the French side and is clearly angling for a move away as he continues to speak about how unhappy he is.
He’s been linked with a move to Old Trafford in recent weeks and here’s what he told L’Equipe:
‘It’s a brutal blow. I’m gutted that I’m no longer playing, to no longer be able to express myself as I was doing before.
‘I’m not happy. I thought I’d built something solid with this club, but that’s clearly not the case.’
Man Utd players need to follow Martial example after Sanchez signing
Jesse Lingard was first to crack.
United’s players may have been scattered across Europe, enjoying the rare luxury of two days off, but they were just like the rest of us, watching along as Alexis Sanchez took his seat behind that piano.
On paper, Lingard’s place may be in danger despite a brilliant run of form, particularly with Sanchez eyeing up his central role behind Romelu Lukaku .
But that was the last thing on his mind while posing with a telephone in his hotel room in Barcelona. “Hello, is that Alexis? Welcome to Manchester United. Knew you wanted to come Milly Rock with the mandem,” he wrote days after sending Instagram wild with his medical parody.
The second-half of that post may make Lingard’s critics cringe, but it was also a timely reminder of, arguably, the 25-year-old’s best performance this season, when he clinically finished two breakaway goals at the Emirates.
Mourinho 'wants Nice star Jean Michael Seri'
Having landed Alexis Sanchez Mourinho has now turned his attention to Nice star Jean Michael Seri.
The Sun claim Mourinho is pushing for the Nice midfielder in a deal that would see him come to Old Trafford in the summer or if possible push through a deal this month.
Mourinho is now prioritising central midfield after strengthening United’s attack with Sanchez.
Mourinho has 'plan' to land Barcelona star
Jose Mourinho is planning to bid for Barcelona midfielder Andre Gomes and has a plan to land him on the cheap.
According to reports in Don Balon Mourinho will attempt to persuade the La Liga side to sell the midfielder for £20million by guaranteeing that United will not rival Barcelona for Antoine Griezmann.
The report also claims Barcelona would be open to a cut price deal as they look to balance the books following their huge spend on Philippe Coutinho.
Yeovil's pitch
Mourinho might have something to say about this.
Three more United 'targets'
After securing Sanchez The Independent claim United are now working on deals for three other players:
- Mesut Ozil
- Carlos Soler from Valencia
- Borussia Dortmund’s Julian Weigl
United stance on Fred
There have been reports today that City will beat United to the midfielder.
Sanchez already a hit
No surprises here.
United announce Munich anniversary plans
Tuesday 6 February marks 60 years since the Munich Air Disaster and the club have revealed on their website their plans to mark the anniversary:
Players, staff and supporters will observe a minute’s silence ahead of kick-off in the Premier League game against Huddersfield Town on Saturday 3 February.
Fans will pay their respects outside the ground on the same day, from 13.30 GMT, with their annual event consisting of readings and prayers, along with a rendition of ‘the Flowers of Manchester’ song under the Munich plaque at the south-east corner of the Old Trafford forecourt.
Supporters attending the game will receive a commemorative pack containing a limited-edition book telling the story of the disaster, along with a complimentary copy of the matchday programme, United Review, which will include tributes to those affected by the crash.
On the anniversary of the crash, the club will hold a commemorative service inside Old Trafford, which supporters are welcome to attend. All season-ticket holders over the age of 65 will be invited but other supporters are welcome to attend.
Turnstiles in the lower East Stand will be open from 13.45 GMT, before the event, which will include readings and poems from 14:45 GMT, ahead of a minute’s silence at 15:04 GMT, marking the time of the fatal plane crash 60 years ago. Supporters will be advised to arrive early, as the usual matchday security checks will be in place.
Mata to attend World Economic Forum
Juan’s apparently a ‘world leader’ now as well as United footballer.
Interesting.
United 'to battle for Real Madrid midfielder'
Another day another name thrown in to the transfer rumour mix.
Today United are being linked with Mateo Kovacic.
But they will have to battle with Inter Milan for the Real Madrid midfielder according to reports from Italian outlet Tuttosport.
United were believed to be initial front runners but Inter have reportedly now emerged as favourites to land the Croatian international.
Sanchez has arrived at Carrington
He was pictured being driven in for his first day of work.
Giggs gives his assessment of Sanchez
The former United great told Sky Sports:
“Manchester United signing Alexis Sanchez is similar to Robin van Persie in the sense that they’re getting a ready-made superstar.
“You’re seeing the contribution already with Anthony Martial upping his performances.
“That can happen when top players come in, those around them lift their levels, and there will be some difficult selection decisions for Jose Mourinho.”
Man Utd number 7 history
The No 7 shirt has been worn by plenty of legends in the past as Alexis Sanchez takes it on here’s a look at it’s history:
George Best
Bryan Robson
Eric Cantona
David Beckham
Cristiano Ronaldo
Michael Owen
Antonio Valencia
Angel Di Maria
Memphis Depay
Mkhitaryan responds to Zlatan Ibrahimovic's message
The summer of 2016 feels a long time ago..
Victor Lindelof's on his way back for training!
Quite a few United players passing through Manchester Airport today I’d imagine after two days off:
When will Alexis Sanchez make his debut?
Huish Park looks set to be the unlikely setting for the No.7’s first ever appearances in a United shirt on Friday night:
A very happy birthday to..
Andrei Kanchelskis - who turns 49 today!
Wenger: Sanchez is a committed player
Sanchez is a great guy and has always been committed, he said.
He is a guy who loves football.
When he’s on the football pitch he gives his all.
RVP reveals new role after Feyenoord homecoming
I mainly hope to help younger players by setting an example, like experienced players such as (Dennis) Bergkamp, (Thierry) Henry and (Patrick) Vieira helped me at Arsenal, he said.
Alexis Sanchez becomes 11th player to play for Mourinho/Guardiola
Good quiz question this:
- Xabi Alonso
- Kevin de Bruyne
- Zlatan Ibrahimovic
- Cesc Fabregas
- Samuel Eto’o
- Eidur Gudjohnsen
- Pedro
- Maxwell
- Arjen Robben
- Claudio Pizarro
- Alexis Sanchez
Wenger aims not so subtle dig at Sanchez's new contract
Henrikh can bring quality of creativity, technical stability and experience.
[Sanchez] goes to a great club and has a great contract
Wenger: We have lost a world-class player
I believe we lose a world class player and gain a world class player, he said.
How efficient will that work? It will be down to the qualities of both players.
Mkhitaryan has the qualities to integrate into our game. He has a good team attitude. He’s very versatile.
They [Mesut Ozil and Mkhitaryan] can play together.
He can play in all kinds of positions. He is very versatile and it should help us going forward.
Arsene Wenger due to speak to the press..
The wily Frenchman was due to start at 8.45am but is late!
Even the FA Cup is trolling Arsenal over Sanchez!
Hahaha!
How United will look with Alexis Sanchez
It seems unlikely Alexis Sanchez will start in either of his favoured roles of late.
Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford are still fighting it out to be the club’s first-choice left winger while Romelu Lukaku remains Jose Mourinho’s main man up top.
Interestingly, despite playing nearly double the amount of football this season, Sanchez has not been as effective as Martial this season - scoring seven times and creating a further three goals.
That leaves a potential place on the right, where Sanchez initially shone at Udinese, and the No.10position just off Lukaku. The botched Zlatan Ibrahimovic experiment raised questions about Lukaku’s ability to play in a partnership so it seems all roads lead to the right wing for Sanchez despite Juan Mata’s performances this season.
That is despite the Chilean playing some of the best football of his career from the left, where he is able to cut inside and shoot from distance, which has become his trademark.
Sanchez also enjoyed his run out up front last season - scoring 30 goals as Arsenal’s main man - and having that option will ease the burden on a tired Romelu Lukaku.
Alexis Sanchez reveals what position he wants to play
I’m a player who likes to win everything. I’m very professional in everything I do, he told MUTV.
I live for football. I love football. It’s what I’m passionate about. I train hard every day and after a game I try to look at what went well and where I can improve.
I really like to play down the left, through the middle, but to tell you the truth, as long as I’m playing football, I’ll fit in anywhere!
Rio Ferdinand brutally trolling old Piers
Sweet, sweet tears:
United hero welcomes Sanchez 'home'
Brilliant!
What Mourinho told Sanchez to convince him to join United
He indicated it is important for the club for me to be here, he told MUTV.
I also believe that the club itself cared about me joining and I got the impression that they were keen for me to come here and wear the number seven shirt. I think that also gets through to the player.
Players sometimes need to feel important and loved by the club. That was one of the things that attracted me to come here, along with the manager, who is a person who won everything in Italy, the same as he did in Spain, and I think he is a manager who likes to win.
