Manchester United announce Alexis Sanchez signing from Arsenal as Henrikh Mkhitaryan heads the other way in swap deal
* Alexis Sanchez has finally completed his stunning move to Manchester United
* Henrikh Mkhitaryan has left the Old Trafford outfit for Arsenal in a swap deal
* United will also pay £20m fee and £15m to Sanchez's agent Fernando Felicevich
* Sanchez was spotted at Carrington, Old Trafford, and his hotel on a busy Monday
* He and Mkhitaryan crossed paths in Liverpool as they processed work permits
* Sanchez referred to United as the 'biggest club in the world' in an interview
* The Chilean also criticised former Arsenal players for criticising him in the press
Playing a piano in his new kit one moment and standing on the pitch at Old Trafford breathing apprehensively into the cold air the next, Alexis Sanchez was unveiled as a Manchester United player in bizarre fashion on Monday night.
Gone are the days when new signings held a club scarf over their head and simply smiled.
While Paul Pogba made his entrance to a rap video with grime artist Stormzy when he rejoined the club for a record fee 18 months ago, Sanchez went the classical route as he gave a recital of ‘Glory, Glory Man United’ on the 36-second clip released by the club on social media.
Manchester United announced the arrival of Alexis Sanchez on Monday evening
Sanchez posing in a Manchester United shirt after completing his mega move to the club
The short and rather strange post brought to an end the transfer saga of the season, one that started nearly two weeks ago when it emerged that United were ready to rival Manchester City’s long-standing interest in the Chile forward and hijack his move from Arsenal.
Sanchez has not come cheap. He will earn £350,000 a week at United over a four-and-a-half-year contract, rising to £450,000 when his image rights are added in, and £600,000 including bonuses.
No money has changed hands between the clubs, with Henrikh Mkhitaryan going the other way and both players being valued at £35million — though, in Sanchez’s case, he only had four months left on his contract at Arsenal.
He said: ‘I am thrilled to be joining the biggest club in the world. The chance to play in this historic stadium and to work with Jose Mourinho was something I could not turn down.
United's newest player putting pen to paper on his contract with the Old Trafford side
Sanchez once again flashes his new No 7 shirt — once worn by the likes of David Beckham
'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 my dream has come true.
‘I believe that at this club it’s possible to achieve anything. The badge says it all. It’s a huge club on a worldwide scale, and I want to come here and win everything: the Premier League, the Champions League, and whatever comes the club’s way in the future.
‘I believe that the club itself cared about me joining, and 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. He’s a manager who likes to win.’
Sanchez has been given the iconic No 7 shirt worn by the likes of George Best, Eric Cantona, David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo.
He said: ‘When they told me that Cristiano, Cantona, David Beckham had all worn it, just thinking about that No 7 sets you off dreaming in your head with ideas about lifting the Champions League trophy and winning the Premier League title.
‘So yes, I’m fulfilling a dream and I hope to give my very best and win many trophies at this club.’
It did not take long for the 29-year-old to take aim at some of the former Arsenal players who have questioned his motives for leaving the club and joining United rather than league leaders City.
Sportsmail pundit Martin Keown has described him as ‘the biggest mercenary in football’.
Sanchez indicated that ambition was his driving force, comparing the move to United with Thierry Henry’s departure from Arsenal for Barcelona in 2007.
He added: ‘There are people (former club players) who have spoken with no know-ledge of what happens inside the club and cause damage.
‘I must say I always gave 100 per cent, until the last day, when I asked to the Mister (Arsene Wenger) to be in the team, because I wanted to be a contribution.
‘I remember, a conversation I had with Henry, a historic Arsenal player, who changed club for the same reason and today is my turn.’
Once City dropped out of the running last week, unhappy that Sanchez’s camp had increased their demands, the former Barcelona man was always destined for Old Trafford.
The final obstacle was removed on Friday when Mkhitaryan agreed terms to join Arsenal in a swap deal.
On Sunday, Sanchez made a 50-minute flight by private jet from Biggin Hill in Kent to Manchester and passed a medical with United’s club doctor Steve McNally at Carrington.
He met Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford on Monday and travelled to Liverpool where he crossed paths with Mkhitaryan as both players had their work permits processed at the UK Visas and Immigration Centre.
The deal was confirmed at just after 6pm on Monday and immediately welcomed by Sanchez’s new manager Mourinho.
‘Alexis is one of the best attacking players in the world and he will complete our very young and talented group of attacking players,’ said the United boss. ‘He will bring his ambition, drive and personality — qualities that make a Manchester United player.’
Mkhitaryan also passed his medical at Arsenal’s London Colney headquarters and will become the club’s top earner on a deal worth just over £170,000-per-week.
He said: ‘I’m very happy that we could finish this deal. Now that I’m here, I’ll do my best for this club to create history.’
Mkhitaryan could soon be usurped by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on £190,000 a week if Arsenal can negotiate a deal with Borussia Dortmund to sign the Gabon star.
The Gunners will return with an improved offer after having a £43m bid turned down, but Dortmund insist they will not let him leave without having a replacement lined up.
On Monday night, however, it was all about one man. And Alexis Sanchez was calling the tune.
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