The Chilean, out of contract next summer, was widely expected to be reunited with Pep Guardiola at the Etihad, but United hijacked the deal and are now believed to be on the verge of announcing Sanchez’s £30m arrival despite late interest from Chelsea.

United were in action on Monday night against Stoke City and Mourinho was asked about Sanchez’s looming arrival after their thumping 3-0 win over the Potters.


Asked if the Sanchez deal was close, he told Sky Sports: ‘I’ve no idea. Today I was completely separate from all of that – I was just focused on my match and not worried about anything else.

‘I’m not going to speak about hypothetical situations. Probably there are other clubs also interested and trying and I shouldn’t talk about a player who is an Arsenal player.’


Mkhitaryan was left out of United’s squad against Stoke City amid reports that Arsenal have requested he be included in a player-plus-cash deal for Sanchez.

Mourinho insists he rates the Armenian and does not want to sell him, while Mkhitaryan himself is believed to be stalling on a move to the Emirates and is holding out for a return to Borussia Dortmund before the window closes.