Manchester United set to pip rivals to star’s signature
According to ESPN, Jose Mourinho’s side are set to complete a coup by signing current Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez. The winger, who is currently into the final year of his contract, was subject to a number of bids from Manchester City as they looked to test Arsenal’s resolve over their best player. With his contract up in the summer though, Sanchez will be free to join who he wants, and it is reported a £25 million signing on bonus could tip the balance in United’s favour. Sanchez would provide yet another goalscoring winger that can be played as a striker as Mourinho looks to add the very best to his budding squad.
Mourinho to rest star quartet for Burton test
Ahead of Manchester United’s Carabao Cup clash with Burton Albion, Jose Mourinho has reportedly said that he will rest just four of his first-team stars. David de Gea, Eric Bailly, Antonio Valencia and Nemanja Matic get a well-earned break with the four instrumental for the side who have only conceded two goals in the league this season. It is clear that Mourinho is taking the cup very seriously as he told Sky Sports: “Oh yes, serious because it’s football you know, it’s football, it’s competition, we take it seriously”. The Carabao Cup, which was the EFL Cup last season, was the trophy that kickstarted Manchester United’s season last year following Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s dramatic late header to defeat Southampton.
Mourinho says patience is key for Carrick and Herrera
Jose Mourinho has said that Michael Carrick still has an important role to play at the club despite struggling for game time. The signing of Nemanja Matic has seen Carrick’s game time curtailed, while even Player of the Season Ander Herrera has struggled for regular action. Mourinho clearly still has the two in his plan then, but called on them to be patient as he told Sky Sports: “Ander Herrera was player of the season and is not starting matches. That’s life in big clubs. I never saw Matic or Fellaini play so well, so he is in a team with these two guys playing absolutely phenomenal, so for Carrick and Ander it’s just patience because that time will arrive and they will be important players for us for sure”.
United handed blow in any further Perisic pursuit
According to ESPN, Ivan Perisic’s new deal does not contain a release clause in what could be a statement of intent from Inter Milan. Perisic, who was coveted by United throughout the summer, remains in Italy with Inter following an elongated pursuit that ended fruitlessly. The lack of a release clause is important for the Italian side who are looking to rekindle their successful days of old, and it is likely to see any interest that remains extinguished. While the rumours regarding Alexis Sanchez could be false, he would provide less of a risk and price-tag than the Croatian.