Manchester United's Jose Mourinho explains tactical reason behind Alexis Sanchez transfer pursuit

Alex Young @alexwsyoung20 January 2018

Jose Mourinho says that even though he cannot currently fit all his attackers into his starting XI, Manchester United need more options like Alexis Sanchez.

The Arsenal forward is expected to complete a move to Old Trafford "within 48 hours", according to Arsene Wenger, with Henrikh Mkhitaryan moving in the opposite direction.

Anthony Martial continued his fine run of form on Saturday by scoring the winner for United against Burnley, supporting Romelu Lukaku in attack alongside Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard with Marcus Rashford on the bench.

Mourinho is not happy with the options at his disposal and hopes the imminent arrival of the Chilean forward will prompt an improve across his front line.

"In this moment there is no competition for places," Mourinho told reporters.

"We have four attacking players for three positions, three are starting, one is on the bench.

"You look to the attacking areas and we need that extra competitive internal competition but more solutions for us so let's see."

In Pictures | Manchester United vs Stoke | 15/01/2018

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Wenger conceded that the uncertainty over Sanchez’s future led to "a strange feeling" in the Arsenal dressing room.

“What was very difficult is for the first time in January we were losing one of our big players,” Wenger said on Saturday. “It’s a bit more destabilising than usual, especially the period of uncertainty.

“Once things are clear the team responds and focuses on the job. That’s why for us it’s not only to lose a world-class player it’s as well that this period of uncertainty creates a strange feeling in the dressing room.

“That’s why this transfer period is difficult in the middle of the season.”

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