Mourinho predicts future Arsene Wenger reunion

Jose Mourinho hopes he has not had his final battle with Arsene Wenger after Manchester United's 2-1 win over Arsenal on Sunday.

Wenger's final trip to Old Trafford as Arsenal manager started with a "classy" welcome from Sir Alex Ferguson, who presented his old sparring partner with a silver vase ahead of kick-off.

Mourinho claimed credit for involving Ferguson in Wenger's pre-match tribute, on the grounds the Scot was his "real rival, especially at Manchester United".

Marouane Fellaini's injury-time winner meant Mourinho had the last laugh before Wenger steps down as Arsenal manager at the end of the season - but the Portuguese predicted the pair could still meet again.

"I hope that I play against him again, I hope that can happen," said Mourinho.

"If not in the Premier League, who knows, we still have a big match waiting for us."

Wenger was surprised by the warm reception he received at Old Trafford, which saw him flanked by Mourinho and Ferguson as the trio posed for photos before the game.

"They're not always as you'd imagine, but it shows as well that life goes always on," Wenger said. "Sometimes it gets better."

Wenger added: "It was just another game for me but I'm very grateful for the gesture from Manchester United."

Credit: Skysports.com

Wenger praises 'classy' Manchester United after pre-match presentation

Arsene Wenger praised "classy" Manchester United after he was presented with a commemorative gift by Sir Alex Ferguson ahead of Arsenal's 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford.

Wenger, who will leave Arsenal at the end of the season, was making his final trip to Old Trafford as Gunners boss and old rival Ferguson welcomed him with a warm embrace, handing him a piece of silverware as a gesture for his 22 years in English football.

Wenger and Ferguson were then joined by current United boss Jose Mourinho, as three of the Premier League's most successful managers posed for photos near the dugouts at Old Trafford.

And Wenger, who also received a warm reception from the Manchester United fans as he walked from the tunnel to his seat in the dugout, was grateful for United's pre-match gesture.

"[It was] very nice," the Frenchman told Sky Sports.

"It was just another game for me but I'm very grateful for the gesture from Manchester United. It was very classy of them and you enjoy it.

"Apart from that I've come here for a long, long time and next year somebody else will sit on the bench and he'll get a very hostile reception, don't worry."

When asked about being flanked by Ferguson and Mourinho, he added: "It's a bit surprising because they're not always as you'd imagine, but it shows as well that life goes always on. Sometimes it gets better."

Credit: Skysports.com

Manchester United 2-1 Arsenal: Talking points from Arsene Wenger's final Old Trafford trip

We pick out the key discussion points from Manchester United's win over Arsenal - Arsene Wenger's final trip to Old Trafford.

Paul Pogba opened the scoring for the hosts, before Henrikh Mkhitaryan fired in a long-range leveller. However, Marouane Fellaini had the final say to clinch it for the hosts in second-half stoppage time.

Here are the talking points from the game...

Wenger's Old Trafford farewell

"When you're not a danger any more, people love you," joked Arsene Wenger in his post-match press conference. But the warm reception he received at Old Trafford on his final away day at Manchester United as Arsenal boss was a fitting tribute to the competition he has provided during his 22 years in the Premier League.

A standing ovation from much of the Manchester United home support was followed by Jose Mourinho leading Wenger to a surprise gift presentation from his old nemesis Sir Alex Ferguson. The Frenchman's duels with both men have not always been pleasant but, speaking to Sky Sports after the match, it was clear Wenger was touched by the gesture.

Despite the pre-match friendliness, it was a familiar story on the pitch, as Wenger suffered more pain at the Theatre of Dreams. He has won on just five of his 28 visits to Manchester United and defeat number 17 - courtesy of a last-gasp Marouane Fellaini header - was a painful finale to the story.

Fellaini's timely reminder of his importance

The Belgian did what he does best after being sent on by Mourinho with 25 minutes to play, causing chaos in the Arsenal penalty area as United switched to a more direct approach to capitalise on Fellaini's aerial threat.

One header cannoned off the post and in off Marcus Rashford. But while that attempt was ruled out by the linesman for offside, there was no saviour for Arsenal one minute into stoppage time when Fellaini, with the help of a slight deflection off Granit Xhaka, looped the ball beyond David Ospina.

It was not pretty but Fellaini provides Mourinho with another way of winning when the clock is ticking and options are running out. The midfielder is yet to sign a new contract but given his passionate, badge-grabbing celebration and Mourinho's clear affection for his abilities, that looks a matter of when, not if.

Captain Xhaka criticised

Arsenal captain Xhaka was out-jumped by Fellaini for that late winner, but it was a wild, off-target sliding challenge on Paul Pogba in the build-up to United's opener which irked Sky Sports pundit Graeme Souness.

The Switzerland international did not get close to United's playmaker with his attempted tackle and then failed to follow Pogba into the six-yard box, where the Frenchman tucked in a rebound. For Souness, Xhaka's behaviour was a reflection of poor coaching and poor leadership.

"It's more of the same from Arsenal," he said. "Xhaka is 25 years old, he's been at Arsenal two years. Is that the first time he's done that in a game? I would question no. Does he do it in training? Yes. Why has it not been pointed out to him you don't do those things?

"That cost them that goal. Arsenal have been neat and tidy. But they've been like this for a decade: when it comes to the critical things in the game, they're not professional. I said this a decade ago, they need a couple of men to sort these things out.

"No one is pointing the finger at Xhaka saying you don't do that, stay on your feet you fool. They're naïve in the basics of football."

Xhaka responded well in the second half, finding Henrikh Mkhitaryan for Arsenal's equaliser, but as captain he should have set a better tone.

Mkhitaryan and Sanchez face their old team-mates

Mkhitaryan and Alexis Sanchez swapped clubs in January but were back up against their former team-mates on Sunday, with the former finding the net with a fine second-half strike to level the match at 1-1.

The Arsenal man's strike - low, from 25 yards and through the legs of Victor Lindelof and into the bottom corner - meant Mkhitaryan has been involved in as many goals (six) in eight Premier League appearances for Arsenal this season as he had in 15 for Manchester United. His rapid return from injury was worth it.

For Sanchez - who made a point of shaking Wenger's hand before kick-off - it was a more low-key performance. When Xhaka planted his studs into Sanchez's foot early on the Chilean will have realised he would not be in for any favours from his old side, but he will have been frustrated not to have had greater impact.

The pair were involved, though, in two quick-fire penalty appeals from Arsenal. First Mkhitaryan hit the deck in the United area when he was bumped by Chris Smalling, before Sanchez tangled with Ainsley Maitland-Niles moments later. Both close calls, both waved away.

Top-four permutations

The result means Manchester United have guaranteed a top-four finish, while Arsenal definitely cannot make it into those Champions League qualifying spots.

The Gunners - facing up to a sixth-placed finish, their lowest-ever under Wenger - had been resigned to that fate for some time and Wenger's decision to field his youngest Premier League starting XI for seven years was a clear indication he has prioritised Thursday's Europa League semi-final second leg with Atletico Madrid, where the score stands at 1-1.

For United, they move a step closer to their aim of a second-placed finish behind runaway champions Manchester City. And with an FA Cup final to look forward to, there is every chance they can finish this season on a high before building again in the summer for a sustained tilt at the title.

Credit: Skysports.com

10 talking points from a winning weekend

Check out Your Monday Briefing at the beginning of each week, to make sure you are up to date with the latest Manchester United news and views from the weekend…

UNITED 2 ARSENAL 1
It may not have been a classic encounter to live long in the memory, but the Reds earned another welcome Premier League win thanks to substitute Marouane Fellaini’s winning goal in added time. Paul Pogba has opened the scoring in the first half with his sixth strike of the season, before Henrikh Mkhitaryan equalised to mark his return to Old Trafford following a January move to the Gunners.

FOUR MORE POINTS FOR SECOND
Saturday’s win over Arsenal guaranteed our place in the top four this season and, as such, qualification to the UEFA Champions League group stage in 2018/19. The mission now is to consolidate second place in the top-flight and only four points are required from the remaining nine.

FELLAINI CONTRACT GETTING CLOSER
Marouane is out of contract at the end of the season, but Mourinho believes he will commit his future to the club after months of speculation. “I believe he will stay,” Jose told reporters. “The position is we are almost there. But, in football, almost is not enough. I think we are almost there but I can't celebrate because almost is not enough. I want to see the white paper with the United crest and I Mr Ed Woodward's signature and Marouane’s signature on it.”

TRIBUTES TO ARSENE WENGER
The Frenchman will leave the Emirates Stadium at the end of the season and his final match at Old Trafford in charge of the Gunners was excellently marked with one-time fierce adversary Sir Alex presenting a memento before kick-off, with Mourinho also joining in the respects. “I'm happy with the class my club showed towards him,” Jose told us. “I told the club I'd like Sir Alex to present the award, not me, because Sir Alex was his real rival, especially at United.” Wenger was also grateful, saying afterwards: “I am thankful to Manchester United because they had a nice gesture. It is the first time I get a trophy before a game. It is very classy from them.”

INJURY FOR LUKAKU
Our top scorer for the season was forced to exit the match early in the second half, when he was replaced by Anthony Martial. It remains to be seen how serious the injury is and whether the Belgian could be fit to Chelsea in the Emirates FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium on 19 May. “I don't know if he is going to be out," Jose said. "For him to say immediately, to change him, it is because he couldn't play. But there are three more weeks until the final, so let's see.”

OUR MAN OF THE MATCH
Victor Lindelof started at centre-back and the Swedish international handled Arsenal speed king Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang with relative ease. That helped him to win our Man of the Match award after earning 50 per cent of the fan vote. “I’ve really enjoyed it, there are still a few games left and we’re going to just keep focusing on that," he said of his first year as a Red, to MUTV. "It’s been a good season for me, I just want to keep working hard and I’m looking forward to next season.”

THE CHELSEA RESULT
We feel it’s worth keeping an eye on the Blues from now until that date at the national stadium and they’re in decent spirits right now, after earning a 1-0 win at Swansea on Saturday that “kept their Champions League hopes alive”, according to manager Antonio Conte. Cesc Fabregas' 50th Premier League goal was enough to secure victory for Chelsea, who have three matches remaining.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JUAN MATA
The Spanish playmaker turned 30 on Saturday and he marked the occasion by tweeting a childhood photo of himself, stood with a football trapped beneath his foot. “Not much has changed,” he wrote.

YOUR LAST CHANCE TO VOTE
The polls for our annual awards night all close at midnight this evening, so make sure you register your votes for the four main prizes before time runs out. The ceremony will take place at Old Trafford on Tuesday night and MUTV subscribers can watch the must-see event live from 19:00 BST.

THREE LOAN PLAYERS IN ACTION
It was a quieter than usual weekend for our young players at temporary clubs, with only two of them featuring: Sam Johnstone made his 45th appearance of the season for Aston Villa in their 1-1 draw against Derby County in the Championship, and Matty Willock chalked up a 10th outing for Scottish Premiership side St Johnstone as they drew 1-1 with Partick. Andreas Pereira, James Wilson, Axel Tuanzebe, Tim Fosu-Mensah, Dean Henderson and Charlie Scott were all not in action.

United v Arsenal "made the Premier League"

Former manager Sir Alex Ferguson says Manchester United's famous battles with Arsene Wenger's Arsenal during his reign "made the Premier League".

In an exclusive interview with United Review, the official programme for Wenger's last meeting with the Reds as Gunners boss, the Scot explains why the matches would attract attention from around the globe.

As the two clubs went toe-to-toe for the top honours, the rivalry became intense with the games guaranteed to be exciting and fiercely competitive. Yet there was still a healthy respect between the two bosses, even though they were driven to succeed at the time.

"Although the Premier League started in 1992/93, that rivalry became the highlight of the league season," said Sir Alex. "Liverpool, without question, is the biggest fixture United ever got involved in, simply because of the history of both clubs: the two most successful clubs in Britain. I love those games, they’re fantastic.

"I know that now the rivalry has changed a bit, with Man City doing well, but these are the games that any Man United player would love to be involved in now: against City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham. There are some great clubs and some fantastic competition in the Premier League now, but United against Arsenal was great for the game. It made the Premier League."

Sir Alex has also likened the challenge posed by the Gunners back then to the threat of being overtaken on the road. Wenger was bringing fresh ideas to the north London club and the gauntlet was laid down on several occasions as he secured two Doubles.

"When Arsene came to Arsenal, he changed a lot of the eating habits and fitness regimes at the club," added Sir Alex. "He was ahead of the game at that particular time. We took examples, as we always tried to take examples from anybody who was improving.

"It was like when you’re driving along the road: you have to be aware of somebody coming up in your wing mirror, trying to overtake you. That was the case with us and Arsenal for quite a few years.

"Virtually every game we played against Arsenal, there was a real edge to the match. There were confrontations, because there were two teams and two managers battling for one award: the Premier League. In my time, we had a few arguments but I always did really respect the man because he did a fantastic job at his club."

Fellaini: We must be ready for the final

Manchester United's Marouane Fellaini was naturally pleased his last-gasp winner secured Champions League football for the Reds in a 2-1 victory over Arsenal, but insists the priority now is to continue to win in preparation for the Emirates FA Cup final.

Fellaini came off the substitutes' bench midway through the second half and his impact was telling, as the Belgian held off three Arsenal defenders to head past David Ospina.

Fellaini told MUTV after the match, that he was thrilled with the goal, but the win was the most important thing as the Reds prepare for the big date at Wembley against Chelsea.

"It was a difficult game, but I think we controlled the first half," he said. "At the beginning of the second half, they controlled more but, in the end, we pushed to score the goal to win the game.

"It is always good to score at Old Trafford, a late goal in a special atmosphere against a good team and we have the three points which is the most important thing.

"It was difficult [scoring the header] but it went in, which was good! I think crosses went in and I had a few chances and [earlier] I made contact with their no 27 (Konstantinos Mavropanos) and it hit the post, but it was good for the team [to get] the three points and we are now sure to participate in the Champions League again next season. We must continue in the next few games to be ready for the final as it is important to stay fit, to play and to get ready because it is a big game."

Asked about the importance of Champions League football for United, Fellaini believes it is expected, but admits we must improve next season.

"Of course, a club like Manchester United need to be in the Champions League, but we have to improve," he added. "I think next season is a big season for us. it will be the third year of the manager so we have to try to win the league."

Mourinho revealed in his post-match interviews that Fellaini is likely to extend his contract at United which is great news for Reds' fans if the 30-year-old continues to have such a match-winning impact.

Lukaku limps off with injury against Arsenal

Romelu Lukaku was forced to limp off in the second half of Manchester United's Premier League clash with Arsenal.

The Reds' leading scorer was hurt by a challenge from Konstantinos Mavropanos, soon after the restart at Old Trafford, as Paul Pogba and Marouane Fellaini earned victory, despite a goal by former midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

Although in clear pain, he did manage to get to his feet in order to be helped to the touchline, with Marcus Rashford coming off the bench to replace him.

With the Emirates FA Cup final against one of Lukaku's former clubs, Chelsea, on the horizon, there will be an anxious wait for an assessment of any damage.

"I don't know if he is going to be out," manager Jose Mourinho said, when asked about the situation. "Or if he's not okay. He wants to play all the time. He is never tired and, when he has small things, he doesn't care. He still wants to go.

"So, for him to say immediately, to change him, it is because he couldn't play. But there are three more weeks until the final, so let's see. I know it was on his foot but I don't know more yet.

"I don't think it's something, or I hope it's not, that in this moment keeps him immediately out of a game that is in three weeks' time. But I don't know. I never, when I finish a game and a player is injured, immediately go for good or bad news. I wait a bit more."

Jose believes Fellaini will stay at United

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho believes United’s last-gasp matchwinner, Maraoune Fellaini, will sign a new contract and continue to be a Reds player next year.

United’s towering Belgian powered above the visiting rearguard to head home an injury-time winner against Arsenal in a 2-1 win at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.

Fellaini is out of contract at the end of the season, but boss Mourinho believes the 30-year-old is willing to commit his future to the club after months of speculation.

Jose told MUTV and reporters in the post match press conference: “I believe he will stay. He’s a good player and he can be used in many different circumstances, according to the nature of the game.

"That’s why we want him to stay and that’s why I believe that he is going to stay.

"The position is we are almost there. But, in football, almost is not enough. I think we are almost there but I can't celebrate because almost is not enough.

"I want to see the white paper with the United crest and I Mr Ed Woodward's signature and Maraoune's signature on it."

Wenger receives gift from United

Arsene Wenger received a special gift from former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, with Jose Mourinho joining in the respects for the departing Arsenal chief.

The Frenchman will leave the Emirates Stadium at the end of the season and his final match at Old Trafford in charge of the Gunners was excellently marked with one-time fierce adversary Sir Alex and Mourinho presenting a vase before kick-off.

The message on the silver memento reads: "Presented to Arsene Wenger by Sir Alex Ferguson CBE and Jose Mourinho on behalf of Manchester United Football Club in recognition of the service to and achievements at Arsenal Football Club 1996-2018."

Current Reds boss Mourinho also joined in the convivial back-slapping with the cameras capturing a special, and rather emotional, moment between three of the all-time great managers.

The home faithful gave Wenger a deserved ovation as the stadium rose to acclaim his 22 years in charge at Arsenal. There was also a warm reception when he emerged from the tunnel for the second half as the Reds won 2-1, thanks to Marouane Fellaini's late header.

Mourinho reacts to win over the Gunners

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho spoke to MUTV and the media after the dramatic 2-1 victory over Arsenal at Old Trafford.

The Reds boss has also revealed he believes matchwinner Marouane Fellaini will sign a new contract, while he says is awaiting a full update on the situation regarding top scorer Romelu Lukaku, who was forced off due to a foot injury.

We deserved to win

"I don't think we played especially well. I think the fact they made a few changes didn't help us from the mental point of view. There was less responsibility for them and our team was a little bit more relaxed. However, in the last 20 minutes we showed that we wanted to win. We changed the game in the direction where it was more to difficult for them to cope with it and I think, because of the last push, we deserved to win."

Second in our sights

"We need, I think, two points or one point to finish third and four to finish second. So we are not far from the position I believe we deserve. If we finish second, I think it's the first time for five years, so since Sir Alex left, but okay. There is progress at many levels but not enough to be first instead of second and not enough to win the Champions League instead of the Europa League. But enough to finish second in the table and win some trophies, and go to some finals, but we need to do more."

Premier League or Champions League?

"I think we always say the most important one is the one that we win. When I won the Champions League, it was the most important trophy for me. When I won the leagues, the leagues were more important for me. When I win nothing, I say winning is not important!"

Respect for Wenger

"I won't see him [Arsene Wenger] after the game. It's my day off tomorrow and I'll go to London. He has a big match waiting for him. We were together a little bit before the game and I'm happy with the class my club showed towards him. I told the club I'd like Sir Alex to present the award, not me, because Sir Alex was his real rival, especially at United. My story with Mr Wenger in United is just a couple of years. I hope that I play against him again. I hope it can happen in the Premier League but, if not, who knows? We still have a big match waiting for us."

Premier League: Man. United 2 Arsenal 1

Manchester United’s never-say-die streak sealed a late win against Arsenal to wreck Arsene Wenger’s final match at Old Trafford as Gunners boss. Reds manager Jose Mourinho outsmarted his rival as substitute Marouane Fellaini headed in a late winner in front of the Stretford End.

The Belgian proved a handful for Arsenal’s defence late on and it proved a masterstroke from Mourinho. United had gone ahead early through Paul Pogba but Fellaini’s winner wiped out a potential point-winner for Henrikh Mkhitaryan who had equalised in the second half.

United’s three points confirmed Champions League football again at Old Trafford next season as it rubber-stamped a top-four finish. Old feuds were forgotten prior to kick-off with the club making a classy gesture of a special memento to Wenger, who clearly had one eye on the Europa League semi-final second leg with Atletico Madrid as he made eight changes to his side.

It didn’t take long for United to make Wenger’s last time as Gunners boss initially uncomfortable when taking a 16th-minute lead. Pogba started and finished the move. The France midfielder stroked a pass to Romelu Lukaku and went driving on into the area. Lukaku’s cross was met with a header from Alexis Sanchez. His hopes of a dream goal against his former employers were dashed as his effort hit Hector Bellerin and came off a post, only for Pogba to volley home.

Not surprisingly, there was none of the electrifying tension of those heady days that had characterised the Sir Alex and Wenger clashes from yesteryear. But there was still quality to be witnessed if only a small amount of penalty-box action in the first half.

If Alexis was searching for that satisfying goal against his old club it was the same scenario for Henrikh Mkhitaryan. The Armenian went the opposite way up the M1 in January to the Chilean when the pair swapped clubs and he was the source of much of Arsenal’s fluent attacking moves. But it was still all pretty easy for David De Gea. His opposite number David Ospina also didn’t have a lot to do but he was saved by an upright in the 40th minute when an Ashley Young cross crashed against the woodwork.

The second 45 minutes was barely underway before Lukaku suffered an injury after a challenge by Konstantinos Mavropanos. The Belgium striker attempted to run off the knock and tested it as play went on but he had to give up and was replaced in the 50th minute by Marcus Rashford. Almost immediately, Arsenal were level and it was Mkhitaryan who had the gratification of scoring for the Gunners. United gave away possession loosely in our own half and, with the help of Granit Xhaka, Mkhitaryan seized on the error to stride forward and place a low right-foot shot past De Gea.

The last time the midfielder had scored at Old Trafford was for the Reds against Everton in September and he barely celebrated this time. There was a stream of substitutions in the 64th minute. Mourinho took off Ander Herrera and Jesse Lingard for Anthony Martial and eventual matchwinner Fellaini. Wenger brought on ex-United striker Danny Welbeck and Nacho Monreal for Reiss Nelson and the injured Sead Kolasinac.

Mancunian Welbeck was first to make an impact with a full blooded long-range shot that was saved by De Gea. Chris Smalling had the chance to keep up his recent scoring form but the defender couldn’t connect properly with a side-foot chance provided by a dangerous pass from Martial.

United fans gave Mkhitaryan a warm round of applause when he was substituted to make way for Joe Willock in the 76th minute. Old Trafford thought United had delivered the final blow to Wenger in the 87th minute when sub Rashford bundled the ball into the net off a post from Fellaini’s header, and a terrific inviting cross from Martial, but the striker was ruled offside.

The disappointment was short lived as a similar move reaped its reward a minute into added time. Young sent over the cross and Fellaini was able to connect and divert a header past Ospina for the winner.

THE LINE-UPS

United: De Gea; Valencia (C), Smalling, Lindelof, Young; Matic, Pogba, Herrera (Martial 64); Lingard (Fellaini 64), Alexis; Lukaku (Rashford 50).

Subs not used: J. Pereira, Rojo, Mata, McTominay.

Arsenal: Ospina, Bellerin, Chambers, Mavropanos, Kolasinac (Monreal 64), Xhaka (C), Maitland-Niles, Iwobi, Nelson (Welbeck 64), Mkhitaryan (Willock 76), Aubameyang

Subs not used: Cech, Holding, Osei-Tutu, Nketiah.

Booked: Xhaka

TALKING POINTS

Are Wembley places still on offer?
Jose Mourinho only made one change from the side that came back at Wembley to beat Spurs 2-1 in the Emirates FA Cup semi-final. The only alteration being Victor Lindelof for Phil Jones. It suggests he may have decided on the make-up of his attack and engine room with the Matic-Pogba-Herrera trio the base of his midfield. Alexis and Lukaku have become the go-to front men.

Can United and Arsenal revive old showdowns next season?
The Reds certainly can. An indefatigable spirit has been re-installed and United are ahead in terms of replacing a legendary boss. It remains to be seen whom Arsenal choose to take them on after this year.

WHAT'S NEXT FOR UNITED?

Jose Mourinho takes his side to the South Coast this coming Friday night, 4 May, to play Brighton in the Premier League. Kick-off is at 20:00 BST.

Pogba: Manchester United adversity has made me stronger

Paul Pogba has told Sky Sports he has emerged "stronger" from an up-and-down period with Manchester United.

The midfielder's performances have come under scrutiny this year as he has been dropped by Jose Mourinho and struggled to make an impact in several matches.

Yet there have also been demonstrations of his talent, including when he scored twice to spearhead a stunning second-half comeback against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

Reflecting on his form, Pogba told Sky Sports: "You always want to be at the top every game, to improve every game and I think I am still improving.

"I can still do better. I am not young but I can still improve, learn and get more experience. I will get better and better during the next year."

Asked how difficult the past few months have been for him, when he has been left out of the starting line-up on a few occasions, the 25-year-old said: "It's been not difficult.

"It's something that didn't happen in the past, it's not something I'm used to, but everyone has to go through this, it makes you stronger and makes you realise you have to work hard, because anything can happen. It's affected me in a good way.

"When you go through it, you just have to work and keep believing in yourself and respond on the pitch."

Pogba has chipped in with five Premier League goals this season, including his double against Manchester City.

There is a chance that number could start to climb, though, thanks to some advice from team-mate Michael Carrick, who is going to be joining Mourinho's coaching team in the summer.

"He told me about how running without the ball can make the difference in the game," explains Pogba. "I call them the Lampard runs - making the run, getting into the box, and that helps a lot.

"Michael has the experience, he always talks to me since I arrived last year and helps me with the position and all that.

"It just came naturally in training if he sees something I could do better it comes and tells me. Sometimes I go to him and say do you see something I could do better and he helps me and helps me to improve. When you are inside and outside you don't see it the same, I just ask him and he helped me a lot."

While Carrick is retiring in the summer, there has been speculation that Pogba could leave Manchester United, with Pep Guardiola saying before the Manchester derby that Man City had been offered the midfielder in January.

However, he says he is happy at Old Trafford and has a good relationship with Mourinho.

"It's good, very good. He's the coach, I'm the player. He does the coaching, I do the playing.

"I'm here and very happy. I give my best for the team, for myself I'm happy because we are in a final [FA Cup final] and I want to finish the season very well."

Manchester United finish their season with a home game against Arsenal on Sunday, live on Sky Sports, and then clashes with Brighton, West Ham and Watford before the FA Cup final against Chelsea on May 19.

United and Arsenal served up a thriller earlier in the season at the Emirates and their meeting this weekend will be Arsene Wenger's final visit to Old Trafford as Gunners manager.

Pogba said: "For a Frenchman, it's all just respect that you have with a manager like Arsene, who's been there for years and done what he's done.

"When I was a kid, I was supporting Arsenal because it was like the French national team and what he did at the club was incredible. The fans must be sad, for a big manager like this to leave like this. He has been there for a long time, maybe it was the time."

Credit: Skysports.com

Mourinho feeling better than ever

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho believes many years of experience have made him a better manager in "every way" and says he expects his stint at the Reds to be the longest of his career.

Speaking to reporters on Friday ahead of the match against Arsenal, Mourinho suggested that he has improved throughout his storied career with many of Europe’s top clubs, while remaining as passionate and motivated as he was when he first took charge of a team.

“My passion for the job is the same, nothing's changed there," he said. "Obviously I am much more mature. It's very difficult now to have something in my professional life that I am surprised with or I don't know how to react to. Everything for me now is like déjà vu.

"You just have to keep these motivational levels, because I believe that one day, a manager can say: it's enough, I don't want more. But, until a manager decides that, I think you get better and better."

Jose cited Jupp Heynckes, the 72-year-old Bayern Munich head coach who came back from retirement to lead his side to this year’s Bundesliga title and the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, as an example of a manager who has improved with experience.

“He was retired. He was, I don't know, at home with the grandsons or enjoying his life and suddenly he comes back to football and he's even better than he was before," said an admiring Mourinho.

The 55-year-old Reds boss also told the press that he “for sure” expected to be managing into his sixties. Next month will mark two years of his tenure at Old Trafford and when he was asked whether he expected to be with United longer than any of his previous clubs, he responded: “I think so."

Mourinho, whose longest spell at one club so far was his first stint at Chelsea between 2004 and 2007, admitted: “In other clubs I was already thinking about, what next? I had things that I had to do.

“I had to go to Italy, for sure, and I had to go to Spain. There were things that I really wanted to do. At this moment, there is nothing that I have waiting for me around the corner. I don't want to do anything different than what I am doing now.”

Sunday’s game will be the 28th and final time Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger leads the Gunners out at Old Trafford and Mourinho referenced one of his rival's greatest achievements - the season when his side won the 2003/04 Premier League title without suffering a single defeat.

“I'm going to remember him as a big opponent, as the manager of the Invincibles," said Jose. "The Invincibles that I met when I arrived in the country in 2004, the Invincibles that made me a better coach. That's the way I will remember him."

Pogba: Semi display is level we want

Paul Pogba says he and his Manchester United team-mates are determined to carry the level of performance and mentality shown in the impressive Emirates FA Cup semi-final victory over Tottenham into the last matches of 2017/18, including the cup final.

The French midfielder was one of the Reds’ star men at Wembley and it was his cross that Alexis Sanchez headed home for the equaliser.

Next up for Jose Mourinho’s men is a clash with Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday and Pogba insists it’s vital that the performance level remains high.

“It was an objective of ours to be in the final in the cup. We had a very good result and a very good performance,” Pogba told MUTV. “That was the performance we were looking for, and the mentality and the teamwork we are looking for until the end of the season.”

Pogba was asked about what another come-from-behind win says about the squad’s character and attitude and he believes they’re qualities that will continue to stand the Reds in good stead over the coming seasons.

“What it says is that mentally we are strong and it showed that we can be a strong team altogether,” he insisted. “We have shown it during the season against the big teams, most of the time, but we need to keep it up against other teams as well. We need to keep playing altogether with the same mentality.”

Sunday’s clash represents another tough test but December’s superb victory over the Gunners at the Emirates Stadium gives the Reds plenty of confidence going into what will be Arsene Wenger’s last game against United as Arsenal boss.

“It’s a big one. We need points,” declared Pogba. “They have a big game against Atletico so maybe that might help us if they are a bit tired. We know it’s going to be a hard game, it was a very hard game against them earlier in the season. But we had a very good team performance and David [De Gea] was amazing.

“We need that again and we need everybody to be at their best because when that happens it moves the team up [a level]. We’ve been great in the last game with the team performance and against the top teams you always have to produce that.”

Pressing has been part of United for years

The epic battles between Manchester United and Arsenal have been trending in the last week, following the news that Arsene Wenger is set to leave the north London club at the end of the season.

The Frenchman is widely credited for modernising the Gunners and his various teams have provided outstanding competition for us down the years, most notably when Sir Alex Ferguson was in charge.

Many matches between Ferguson’s United and Wenger’s Arsenal became iconic, and the rivalry arguably reached a peak during the mid-2000s when the two clubs consistently fought it out for supremacy in the Premier League.

Stoke City midfielder Darren Fletcher was part of that famous era and, in the latest issue of Inside United magazine, the highly-respected Academy graduate recounts exactly what it was like to face Wenger’s Arsenal…

“We were always hard and fair whenever we faced Arsenal. We just knew that you couldn’t stand back and let them play their game because they had the ability to hurt teams. You have to be in their faces and disrupt them, stop them playing how they want to. Arsene Wenger probably didn’t agree, as he didn’t with many refereeing decisions, but as far as I’m concerned, we were never dirty. We just made sure we were at them from the off, in their faces and that isn’t a new concept.

“You hear so much now about teams pressing, or gegenpressing or whatever, but that had been a part of United for years. Setting a tempo, setting a speed, starting a press, making an atmosphere. It had been part of an Alex Ferguson team-talk since he first came to the club, so it’s not a new concept; it’s just got a new twang to it. It was a compliment to them, in some ways, that we approached the games like that because they had some very good players.

“They also had a lot of physical attributes. They had a quick, powerful team with big lads like Patrick Vieira, Sol Campbell, Edu, Pascal Cygan, and, at Highbury especially, you were aware just how small the pitch was when you were up against big players.

“With Vieira especially, you knew he’d be at you quick because of his long legs on that small pitch. You felt like it was touch-tackle the whole game. One- and two-touch, and it was really ferocious at times. You knew you wouldn’t have any time on the ball. Fortunately for us, we were used to that because we played in very small areas in training. The onus was on moving the ball very quickly, so we were very well prepared for that kind of situation in games.

“Particularly when we were the top two teams in the country, the atmospheres for games between Manchester United and Arsenal were great to be a part of. At Highbury, it was more intimate and enclosed, but it didn’t really affect you as such. It was a bit like Anfield in the sense that it’s so tight and you feel like you can’t breathe at times, because the pitch is small and the fans are right on top of you, but I couldn’t say that ever affected us as such. We were used to it and we expected it.

“There was always a lot of history between the sides and that built up a lot when we were fighting for league titles and cups every year, but those were the games you relished. Each one was a chance to test yourselves against the best and put down a marker for everyone to see.”

Inside United magazine is available to order online via www.ManUtd.com/Magazine.

Bailly: Our mentality must be right

Eric Bailly has spoken about the mentality Manchester United will need to finish second in the Premier League – and about the challenge Sunday’s opponents Arsenal face as they try to compete on two fronts.

Arsene Wenger will manage the Gunners at Old Trafford for the final time in the 16:30 BST kick-off, with both teams needing a good result to help achieve twin aims at the end of 2017/18.

The Reds are aiming to finish the campaign as league runners-up and Emirates FA Cup winners, while the visitors are balancing the push for Europa League qualification with the chance to win that competition this term.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with United Review, the Reds’ official matchday programme, Bailly recalled the demands of juggling league and European ambitions last season, when the Reds won the Europa League.

“We had that experience a year ago,” the centre-back said. “I believe it comes down to the mental condition of the team.

“I can’t comment on the mental strength of the Arsenal team, but it will be a factor in their performances as they manage the stresses of balancing the two competitions at the same time.”

The Ivorian defender believes there is plenty of confidence within the squad as the end of the season approaches and that the Reds have the right attitude to ensure a successful finish.

“We are always confident that we can win. We are Manchester United,” he declared.

“We go into every game with the same mentality that we have to win. We want second place, that’s the aim, but we cannot look beyond this game.

“We always want to fight. We fight against Arsenal and we know they are a big team with many quality players and that is our only focus now.”

After the achievement of winning in Stockholm last season, Bailly feels it is crucial to end 2017/18 on a similar high by finishing second, to continue the upward trajectory under Jose Mourinho.

“It is really important for us as players, for the club itself, and for the fans,” he said. “It is a very different proposition to finishing fourth, even if both would lead us into the Champions League, because it is important to set out to achieve that goal of second place, which we have set ourselves. It shows our progress.”

Mourinho: I Did Not Sell Salah

Jose Mourinho has denied being the man behind Chelsea's sale of now PFA Player of the Year Mohamed Salah, but feels the forward was not physically or mentally ready at the time.

It was under Mourinho that Salah arrived in the Premier League with Chelsea after signing from Basel, but found first-team opportunities limited at Stamford Bridge.

After a season in England the Egyptian was loaned out to Fiorentina, before later undertaking a spell at Roma and signing permanently for the club.

Salah's rise since then has been meteoric and his return to English shores with Liverpool this season has produced 43 goals so far, with fixtures still to play.

The highest individual accolade has been handed to Salah as a result, although Mourinho stands by his view that the 25-year-old was not ready for English football during his Chelsea days.

"People say that I was the one that sold Salah and it is the opposite. I bought Salah," Mourinho told ESPN Brazil.

"It is the opposite. I was the one that bought Salah. I was the one that told Chelsea to buy Salah. It was with me in charge that Salah came to Chelsea.

"But he came as a young kid, physically he was not ready, mentally he was not ready, socially and culturally he was lost and everything was tough for him.

"We decided to put him on loan and he asked for that as well. He wanted to play more minutes, to mature, he wanted to go and we sent him on loan to Fiorentina, and at Fiorentina he started to mature."

Despite Salah now being spoken of as a potential future Ballon d'Or candidate, Mourinho suggested the decision to allow the player to leave was not a mistake.

"Chelsea decided to sell him, OK? And when they say that I was the one that sold him it is a lie. I bought him. I agreed to send him on loan, I thought it was necessary," said Mourinho.

"In football we make mistakes a lot of times. So many times some players develop in ways we were not expecting, some others don't reach another level like we thought they would, so I don't even think this is a mistake, it is just part of the job."

Credit: Skysports.com

Winterburn: Wenger and Mourinho respect each other despite differences

Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho are two "huge" managers who have respect for each other despite their differences, says former Arsenal defender Nigel Winterburn.

The two managers have been involved in controversial moments in the past - particularly during Mourinho's time at Chelsea - and Wenger takes Arsenal to Old Trafford for the final time as manager on Sunday, when the Gunners travel to play Manchester United, live on Sky Sports.

Wenger has announced he is leaving Arsenal at the end of the season, and asked how Mourinho would be feeling before his final match against his old rival, Winterburn said: "He's Manchester United manager, so he's going to be motivated.

"He also knows the history of Manchester United and Arsenal. For him, he'll probably just say: 'It's another three points', but these are two huge managers.

"They've had their differences, but the one thing they do have for each other, I think, is respect."

Winterburn's belief that the two managers have a mutual respect is backed up by Mourinho himself, who recently said of Wenger: "If he respects me even 50 per cent of what I respect him we can even be friends in the future.

"I have lots of respect for him. I tried to show that in the past couple of years there were no more problems at a different stage of my career with a different profile.

"I feel sorry that after Sir Alex Ferguson - but it was obviously Sir Alex's decision [to leave] - the next big one, the next iconic one is leaving the Premier League."

However, Mourinho has not always so positive in his opinions of the Arsenal manager - he is on record as previously calling Wenger a "voyeur" and "a specialist in failure".

Credit: Skysports.com

Pogba: I'm Judged Differently

Paul Pogba thinks his performances for Manchester United are being judged differently to those of other midfielders in the Premier League.

The Frenchman, who has six goals and 11 assists to his name in all competitions, has come in for criticism at times this season with his role in Jose Mourinho's side questioned.

However, the 25-year-old's form has picked up in recent weeks with his goals and assists helping United to wins over Manchester City and Bournemouth in the Premier League and Tottenham in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley.

And speaking in an exclusive interview with Sky Sports ahead of Manchester United's clash with Arsenal on Sunday, Pogba told Geoff Shreeves his performances for United are judged on goals and assists, a different criteria to other midfielders in the league.

"It's quite funny because we don't judge me on the midfield part," he told Sky Sports. "We judge me on assists and goals and that's the truth.

"I can make an outstanding game, but if I don't score or make an assist they will say, 'that is normal', or whatever.

"But if someone else does it, it is different. They will maybe be man of the match."

Pogba, though, is not focusing on goals and assists, he is concentrating on his midfield role for United, who are currently second in the Premier League and looking forward to an FA Cup final against Chelsea at Wembley on May 19.

"I think I'm judged differently, but it's good," he added. "It makes me improve as well, it is a challenge for me and I take it in a good way.

"I don't take it in a bad way. I'll try to score and make assists and that's it. I still want to do my job in midfield.

"If I can help the team in attack and defence and make a difference I will do it. If I can score and assist it is even better."

Credit: Skysports.com

United stars at Foundation's Dream Day

The Manchester United first team were out in force to make special memories for excited fans at Manchester United Foundation’s latest Dream Day.

The full team, including Paul Pogba, Romelu Lukaku and David De Gea, made dreams come true at the Aon Training Complex for fans who suffer from serious and life-limiting illnesses. Alexis Sanchez also attended his first Dream Day since joining the Reds in January.

The heart-warming event takes place twice a season with supporters travelling from across the UK to meet their footballing heroes and watch first-team training from the Jimmy Murphy Visitors’ Centre.

Chris Smalling, who has supported the Foundation and attended many Dream Days over his eight seasons with the club, said: “These are times where all the team can come together and put some smiles on faces.

"Anything we can do to lift spirits because they are having tough times, just spending the afternoon with them, can make a real difference.”

Fans' favourite Paul Pogba added: “We have the wonderful chance here to give young people happiness and it is very important for us to see them smile. They’ve been telling me some nice things, talking about my hairstyles, doing some dabs; the kids are happy and we just have to think about them and be grateful.”

Among the group of 16 guests at the training ground today was 15-year-old Scott from Skipton, North Yorkshire, who has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. He was delighted to meet the team, especially his idol Pogba: “It’s like a dream come true, I never thought this would happen. I got to meet Pogba and he sat next to me and I asked him a few questions, like what hairstyle he’s going to have for the FA Cup final but I think it’s a secret!

"Today has boosted me and made me happier than I was and it gives me something to take away and share with my friends and family.”

Ruth, nine, from Denton was also thrilled to be a part of the day: “I’m super excited to be here; Juan Mata just spoke to me and he’s really funny, and I’ve met lots more players too,” she said. “It’s made me feel happy and made me feel a lot better.”

For more information about Dream Days and Manchester United Foundation please visit www.mufoundation.org

Mourinho's team news update

Jose Mourinho has confirmed he has a fully fit squad to choose from for Manchester United’s Premier League clash with Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday, with the exception of Sergio Romero.

The goalkeeper is set to miss a sixth successive game with the knee injury sustained on international duty with Argentina last month.

Antonio Valencia was forced off in the second half of last weekend’s Emirates FA Cup semi-final win over Tottenham with a muscle problem and replaced by Matteo Darmian. But the right-back, who has been wearing the captain’s armband in most games, should be available to play this weekend.

Speaking to MUTV’s Mark Sullivan at the Aon Training Complex on Friday afternoon, the boss stated he has a clean bill of health, apart from Romero, and the same group of players available as last weekend’s Emirates FA Cup semi-final win over Tottenham.

“Everybody’s fine,” Mourinho said. “I have 22 players and apart from Romero as a goalkeeper, everyone is fit to play.”

HOW ARE ARSENAL SHAPING UP?

With the match sandwiched in between their crucial UEFA Europa League semi-final against Atletico Madrid, Gunners boss Arsene Wenger could be tempted to make changes for his 60th and what could be his final game against United as a manager.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan is set to miss out on a first reunion with the Reds, as the Armenian playmaker – who swapped Manchester for north London in January – is reportedly a major doubt for Sunday’s game with a knee injury.

The Londoners are expected to be without Mohamed Elneny (ankle) for the rest of the season but there is positive news concerning fellow midfielder Santi Cazorla, who has been out with a severe ankle injury since October 2016 but trained on the pitch at the Emirates Stadium before Thursday night’s 1-1 draw with Atletico.

Key quotes: Jose's media round-up

Jose Mourinho addressed the media on Friday afternoon ahead of Manchester United’s crunch Premier League clash with Arsenal this weekend.

The boss spoke about a broad range of topics, including Liverpool star Mohamed Salah, Alexis Sanchez, Gunners boss Arsene Wenger and Sunday’s opponents.

Here are the key points from his interview with MUTV and pre-match press conference…

A GREAT WEEK FOR US
“We have had a good week since Wembley. For the players, better than for me because they had more time off than I did but that’s just the nature of the job and I think they deserve that little rest. The majority of them, after the last match [against Chelsea in the FA Cup final], they will go to their national teams and to the World Cup, so to have a couple of days without football, I think it was nice for them. They come [back] mentally fresh, happy and ready to get that point we need to finish fourth and the seven points we need to finish second [in the Premier League] and ready to go to that final.”

WE ALL KNEW HOW GOOD ALEXIS WAS
“He was playing in our competition for years. We all know how good he was, that's why he was chased by many teams. I believe that's why we fought to have him here and I was, since day one, sure that he was the right player, not just by the typical football qualities but also by his mentality and we needed that. We needed a little bit more experience, we need a little bit more of mental aggressiveness, and I knew that sooner or later, it was coming. I keep saying I don't like the January market, but it was now or never, so it was now and obviously if we can have good Alexis until the end of the season, better for us. We need seven points, we have a final to play... can he help us the way he's helping us lately? I hope so and I feel so, but what I am sure of is that next season, after pre-season, after being comfortable and adapted, he's going to be great for us.”

WE CAN DO BETTER NEXT SEASON
“This season is better than last season. Last season we won the Europa League, this season if we play Europa League I think we would win it too, but we didn't play Europa League, we played Champions League. We were not good enough to win it and domestically we won last season the League Cup. This season we are in the final of the FA Cup. We finished sixth, this season we are going to finish top four, I believe and I hope [we finish] second. More points, more victories, more goals, less goals conceded, not consistently but many, many times better football, so I think there was a clear evolution in the team and hopefully next season we can do better.”

BIGGEST RIVALS ARE OUR BIGGEST FRIENDS
“I always feel that the biggest rivals are our biggest friends, because they are the ones that push us to the limit and I think Manchester United fans know that until 2004, for about a decade, it was between Manchester United and Arsenal, it was between Sir Alex [Ferguson] and Mr Wenger. I think these great teams Arsenal had, and the fight they had shoulder to shoulder with Manchester United, made Manchester United better and better, so I hope they have that feeling. I hope he has a good reaction [from fans], or if not good, at least not bad at all. From our club, I think he's going to feeling the respect we have.”

SMALL REGRETS OVER RIVALRY WITH WENGER
“There were little things where it would obviously be better without them – some gestures, some words. I feel better now without it, no doubts about it, but again when I arrived in England in 2004, Arsenal was the champion and was the famous champion of The Invincibles. I arrive and for the next couple of years was with them – [Dennis] Bergkamp, Thierry [Henry] and [Sol] Campbell – an amazing team, so again, thank you very much for that. They pushed us to the limit, the two matches we played, not at the Emirates [Stadium], but at the amazing old stadium [Highbury], unforgettable. We had big matches, big fights, so thank you, thank you so much for that. Regret, little negative episodes, yes I do and probably [Wenger] also does.”

FANTASTIC WIN OVER ARSENAL AT THE EMIRATES
“It was a great performance, it was a great start, it was a big match. Arsenal were fantastically strong but it was probably David [De Gea]’s best performance and we were very, very clinical. Every time we were going there, we were scoring goals. The only negative thing was Paul [Pogba]’s red card which stopped him from playing in three important matches. But it was one of the good performances and we have done pretty well against every one of the top teams and it’s a question of getting points from this match because we need points.”

DE GEA NOT GOING ANYWHERE
When Jose was asked by a reporter if he thought there was going to be more speculation about De Gea possibly leaving in the summer the boss replied: “No chance.”

ARSENAL FULLY FOCUSED ON EUROPE
"The Gunners’ season has been similar to our last season [in 2016/17]. I think when you fight to try to win in Europe, you are a bit punished in the league. Probably, without the ambition to win the Europa League, they would have a few more points and they would be fighting more for the fourth position. But, in the same way we did last season, I think they put everything in the Europa League to try to win it and that’s why they are in the semi-final and still have a second leg to fight for [against Atletico Madrid].”

SALAH DESERVED PFA PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD
“It’s easier for you to say negative things about me and not the positive things about me. Everybody knows that I bought Salah [at Chelsea] with Mr [Roman] Abramovich's money. We played against Basel in the Champions League in two matches, so he played against me. As you can imagine, before I play matches, especially European matches, I spend a lot of time analysing the opposition that I don't know as well as I know the teams that play in my competition domestically. So I watch and I watch and I told the club to buy that fantastic young player, so you know that. After that you also know that he was not playing a lot and obviously that is my responsibility as a coach and we decided with him, that it was better for him to have a loan period to play, to grow up, to become stronger. We, internally again, decided with the board and the technical director that we thought that Italian football could be a good way for him to develop and he went to Fiorentina. After that I left Chelsea and after that I'm not responsible for the process, but just to end it, because I don't feel comfortable in the press conference speaking about Mo, a Liverpool player. After that he came to Liverpool and credit to him, credit to Jurgen and credit to the team. I have to say I am very, very happy for him and he knows that. That's why we keep a good relationship, he's a fantastic boy and he knows that I have great care for him and I'm really happy with the things that are happening to him. [He has had an] Absolutely, absolutely fantastic season. More than deserved, the player of the year and, who knows, if something more important is waiting for him.”

Mourinho: We needed Alexis's qualities

Jose Mourinho has praised the impact of January signing Alexis Sanchez, claiming that Manchester United "needed" a player with the Chilean’s distinctive set of skills.

The forward scored a crucial and superb equaliser in the 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in last weekend’s Emirates FA Cup semi-final at Wembley, before playing a key role in the move that led to Ander Herrera’s second-half winner.

That performance was the latest in a spurt of impressive recent showings from the club’s no.7, who was named Man of the Match in the 2-0 win over Swansea in late March, and had a big hand in the dramatic derby comeback against Manchester City the following month.

Speaking ahead of United’s Premier League clash with Alexis’s former team, Arsenal, on Sunday, Mourinho explained why the Reds were so determined to sign Alexis.

"We fought to have him here and I was, since day one, sure that he was the right player," said the boss. "Not just by the typical football qualities, but also by his mentality, and we needed that.

"We needed a little bit more experience, we needed a little bit more of mental aggressiveness, and I knew that sooner or later, we’re coming [improving as a team]."

Since Alexis’s arrival, United have shown increasing reserves of mental strength, by coming from behind to beat Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Manchester City and Tottenham, suggesting that the player’s fortitude and drive have already added an extra dimension to the team. But Mourinho believes United will see even more from the Chilean next term.

"I keep saying, I don't like the January market, but [it] was now or never, so it was now and obviously if we can have Alexis until the end of the season, better for us.

"We need seven points and we have a final to play... can he help us the way he's helping us lately? I hope so and I feel so, but what I am sure of is that next season, after pre-season, after being comfortable and adapted, he's going to be great for us.

"He was playing in our competition for years. We all know how good he was, that's why he was chased by many teams. I believe that's why we fought to have him here."

United v Arsenal: Five talking points

Manchester United face Arsenal at Old Trafford this weekend, in our penultimate home game of the season.

The visit of the Londoners always evokes memories of an enduring rivalry between two of English football’s big guns and is often a frenzied occasion.

Ahead of Sunday’s big game at the Theatre of Dreams, here are five topics of discussion for you to mull over…

WENGER’S OLD TRAFFORD FAREWELL?
Sunday’s showdown is set to be the final time we will see Arsene Wenger in the away dugout at Old Trafford as Arsenal boss, with the Frenchman due to step down at the end of the season after 22 years in the role. Although he has openly stated his desire to continue working and not retire just yet, it could be the last occasion he comes up against the Reds as an opposing manager. As ManUtd.com’s Adam Marshall writes, Wenger has been an admirable adversary down the years and has had a profound effect on English football since pitching up at the Gunners in 1996. He undoubtedly deserves a respectful reception at Old Trafford, one which he is likely to receive from the United faithful.

POTENTIAL REUNIONS FOR TRIO
There are three players who could come up against former clubs on Sunday. Alexis Sanchez will face the Gunners for the first time since swapping north London for Manchester in January. He was in the Arsenal team when the Reds won 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium in December’s reverse fixture but the Chilean will be keen to show his old employers what they are missing this weekend, while building on his Man-of-the-Match display in the Emirates FA Cup semi-final victory over Tottenham last time out. Meanwhile, on the opposing side, Henrikh Mkhitaryan left the Reds three months ago but is reportedly set to lose out on an Old Trafford return on the pitch with a knee injury. Danny Welbeck could lead the line for the Gunners and is looking to score for the third time at Old Trafford since making the switch from United to Arsenal in 2014. But, as a Mancunian who came through the club’s Academy to eventually score 29 goals in 142 first-team appearances for United, he will always be fondly remembered by Reds fans.

THE RACE FOR THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
As you’d expect, ensuring UEFA Champions League football for next season is on the agenda for both teams. Jose Mourinho’s men will be hoping to secure the three points required to guarantee a top-four finish on Sunday and are on course to finish second, with a three-point cushion over third-placed Liverpool with a game in hand. For Arsenal, they look set to miss out on a top-four finish for the second successive season, having previously qualified for the Champions League for 20 years in a row under Wenger. The Gunners are 11 points adrift of their north London rivals Spurs, who currently occupy fourth spot, with just four games left and their chances of returning to Europe’s elite competition now hinge on winning the Europa League – in the same way the Reds did in Stockholm a year ago.

WHO WILL START FOR UNITED?
The big games have brought the best out of the Reds in recent weeks and this is the final clash against the top teams before the Emirates FA Cup final on 19 May, so the players will undoubtedly be looking to impress the boss, with places in the starting XI against Chelsea at Wembley up for grabs. Mourinho seems to have found a winning formula of late, with Nemanja Matic and Ander Herrera supporting Paul Pogba in a position on the left of a midfield trio, while Jesse Lingard and Alexis have operated either side of leading scorer Romelu Lukaku in a 4-3-3 formation. It was the system and personnel which helped to inspire the second-half comeback against Manchester City and turnaround against Spurs in the FA Cup semi-final. To that end, the boss could be tempted to name an unchanged side. It remains to be seen whether Eric Bailly earns a recall, with the Ivorian defender having started just one of the last five games and missed last weekend's Emirates FA Cup semi-final win over Tottenham. The boss could give an update on the squad in his pre-match press conference on Friday.

WILL ARSENAL ROTATE?
With Sunday’s clash sandwiched in between both legs of their crucial Europa League semi-final against Spanish giants Atletico Madrid, it is clear where the Gunners’ priorities rest – which may be reflected in the team that lines up against United. Wenger could be tempted to rest some of his key stars for the decisive trip to Spain next week and give some fringe players an opportunity, particularly after conceding the initiative to Atletico by conceding a late goal to draw 1-1 in the first leg at the Emirates. But he may be wary of making too many changes, after an under-strength Arsenal team were put to the sword by United in the memorable 8-2 triumph for the Reds back in 2011. He will also be looking for a positive result on what could be his final trip to Old Trafford, where United are unbeaten against the Gunners in the Premier League since 2006.

Jones: Added incentive for Alexis

Manchester United defender Phil Jones believes Alexis Sanchez will comfortably handle facing his former club Arsenal for the first time, in Sunday's Premier League clash at Old Trafford.

The Chilean star was a big favourite at the Emirates Stadium but traded London for Manchester in January, when heading north in a deal that also took Henrikh Mkhitaryan to the Gunners.

Alexis was instrumental in the Emirates FA Cup semi-final triumph over Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley last weekend, scoring the headed opener and playing a key part in Ander Herrera's winner, and will be out to shine again against his former employers.

When asked by MUTV if it will be a weird occasion for Alexis, taking on his old team, Jones replied: "Not so much at home. I think, if it was away at the Emirates, it might be a bit different. Going back to a place where he's very fond of, knows the pitch well and the fans well.

"So, at home, it's a little bit different but he will still get that added incentive to try to put one over on them."

Jones also feels Arsene Wenger will be appreciated by the Old Trafford crowd as the Arsenal manager prepares to say farewell to the club he joined in 1996.

"He's been a fantastic manager," added Jones. "I've seen a lot of things in the press at the moment and it's true. He changed the game of football and the way teams like to play.

"He's managed some terrific Arsenal teams over the years, that I've grown up watching, and he should be respected and get the send-off he deserves."

Mourinho content with Manchester United achievements given job at hand

Jose Mourinho has stressed transforming Manchester United's fortunes will not be a quick fix but believes his achievements at Old Trafford are "not bad" considering the scale of the challenge.

The Portuguese succeeded Louis van Gaal in May 2016 and won the EFL Cup to become the first manager in Manchester United history to win a trophy in his debut season at the club.

Europa League glory in Stockholm followed last May to take Mourinho's trophy haul to three, alongside August's Community Shield victory.

United currently sit second in the Premier League, 16 points behind champions Manchester City, but have drastically improved on last season's sixth-place finish.

And, with the chance to get their hands on another piece of silverware in the FA Cup final on May 19, Mourinho is content with what he has achieved so far.

"I knew the club I was coming to," he told Sky Sports News. "I know that one thing is to go to a club that is prepared to win and you just need to arrive and give the last touches, to give your personal quality, personal knowledge and the team, and the club, is ready just for the last click

"I knew that was not the case [at United]. The owners knew that. The CEO, he knew that. So when the question was, in this period of my career, am I ready for this kind of job? Yes, I am ready because my career was about new things all the time.

"I was always very Portuguese in the sense that I'm always ready to discover and try new things, always ready to change country, to change club, to change culture, to change everything in the search of new things.

"I did all of that. So when I came in this period to Manchester United I was ready for this and I knew it was not to come and have simultaneous success.

"But, in spite of it, three trophies, three finals, probably a third or fourth in worst case scenario. Not bad."

Credit: Skysports.com

Mourinho seeks friendship with departing Arsenal 'icon' Wenger

Jose Mourinho insists he has nothing but respect for Arsene Wenger and hopes he can be friends with the "iconic" departing Arsenal manager in the future.

Wenger announced on Friday that he will call time on his 22-year association with the Gunners at the end of the season.

Few have had a more volatile relationship with the 68-year-old than Mourinho, who famously labelled the Frenchman a specialist in failure in 2014.

However, with Wenger set to take Arsenal to Old Trafford for the last time on Nissan Super Sunday, the Manchester United manager was keen to draw a line under their chequered past.

"If he respects me even 50 per cent of what I respect him we can even be friends in the future," Mourinho told Sky Sports News. "I have lots of respect for him.

"But the reality is that he was at Arsenal, he was the champion and I came to the country in 2004 and wanted to steal his title. That's football.

"But in the end I respect him a lot, I tried to show that in the past couple of years there were no more problems at a different stage of my career with a different profile.

"I feel sorry that after Sir Alex Ferguson - but it was obviously Sir Alex's decision [to leave] - the next big one, the next iconic one is leaving the Premier League."

Credit: Skysports.com

Bellamy: Mourinho is not a traditional Manchester United manager

Craig Bellamy says "desperation" to get back to the top of English football led Manchester United to turn to Jose Mourinho - and that he is not a traditional United manager.

United are in pole position to finish second in the Premier League this season, for the first time since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013, but the pragmatic style of play Mourinho has been long renowned for has come under fire at Old Trafford.

Bellamy told The Debate how United were driven to appoint the Portuguese manager out of desperation to put themselves back in title contention, having finished no higher than fourth in the past five years.

"With United, they're used to winning trophies," he said. "And of course, he'll look and say I've done it but the league is what it's about. The Busby way, the songs the fans sing, that's their identity. Their history is incredible.

"I believe their desperation to get back on top, to the top of the league, is why they went for Mourinho. They said forget about the identity, don't worry about what's gone on before, this is what we need right now, just get us there.

"I'm not going to sit here and say Mourinho isn't a brilliant manager, of course he is, but in my own terms he's not a Manchester United manager - what I'm used to, what I've watched this great club produce, their identity and how they play, how they've stuck to it down the years.

"He is the opposite to what their supporters sing, or used to sing. They set the identity, it's their club."

Ray Parlour, who played in a number of huge encounters against United as a former Arsenal player, said the club's style was unrecognisable from that which he came up against under Ferguson.

He added: "Manchester United have had so many great teams over the years, and look at this team - it doesn't even compare.

"In my era, Scholes, Keane, Giggs. I know football has changed, but it was always quick football with United back then. It's a lot slower now. There have been some really poor performances, West Brom sticks out, where the build-up was so slow.

"Man United fans will be looking at it thinking: 'We need to be better.' But if they do win the FA Cup it'll be three trophies in two years, and that's not a bad result."

Credit: Skysports.com

Paul Pogba v Jack Wilshere: The key battle

Who will come out on top in the midfielder battle between Paul Pogba and Jack Wilshere at Old Trafford on Super Sunday? We take a look.

Manchester United are aiming to secure a top-four finish by beating Arsenal, and Paul Pogba will need to get the better of Jack Wilshere if they are to do so.

Since being restored to the Manchester United starting line-up against Swansea at the end of last month, Pogba has scored two goals, made two assists and won two of the club's man of the match awards in five appearances.

"I'm not expecting him to be phenomenal every match but to keep a certain level," said Jose Mourinho of Pogba recently. The Frenchman seems to have taken his advice on board and has actually improved his level in several key areas.

Manchester United are desperate for Pogba to become the linchpin of the side, capable of bossing games and providing exceptional moments. To that end, he has 12 assists in all competitions this season, twice as many as he provided in the whole of last season.

He has only provided more assists in one season, the 2015/16 campaign, when his total of 14 helped persuade United to pay a then world record £93m for his services.

In the reverse fixture against Arsenal back in December, he provided his first two assists against a top six opponent - playing in Antonio Valencia to open the scoring inside four minutes and then crossing for Jesse Lingard's second goal.

He was later shown a red card for his challenge on Hector Bellerin, but there were clear signs that he could positively influence the outcome of big games.

Since returning to England, a common accusation aimed at Pogba is that he needs to do more in these games and while this is borne out by the stats, there has been an improvement this season. His match-winning double against Manchester City, his first goals against a top-six side, should give him great confidence going into Sunday.

For Arsenal, Wilshere is expected to be involved on Sunday having recovered from an ankle injury. While being far from an ever-present this season, he has only made more appearances in one campaign - when he played 49 times for Arsenal in 2010-11.

England manager Gareth Southgate has said that the door remains open for the 26-year-old midfielder to earn a place in his 2018 World Cup squad, and with just four Premier League games remaining, Sunday's encounter represents a great chance for him to prove his worth.

Southgate must name his preliminary World Cup squad by May 14, with the final 23-man squad to be submitted by June 4, so Wilshere will be keen to showcase his skills at Old Trafford and prove that he offers something different to the other offensive-minded midfielders vying for a place in the squad.

With his former team-mate Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain now ruled out with an injury, it's the Arsenal man's range of passing and forward drive that will be of particular interest to England.

The Gunners are the only side in England's top four divisions who have yet to pick up a single point on the road in 2018, losing all five Premier League away games, which is their worst run of successive away defeats in Premier League history.

In addition, Arsenal have failed to win any of their last 10 Premier League visits to Old Trafford. Arsene Wenger will be relying on his midfield to dominate the game if they are to end those dismal runs in what will be his 19th and potentially final managerial meeting with Jose Mourinho.

Credit: Skysports.com

Arsene has been an admirable adversary

It is 1 September 1996 and Manchester United are the undisputed kings of English football.

After ending the 26-year wait for the title in the first year of the Premier League, Alex Ferguson's Reds have shown no sign of letting up. Two Doubles in the past three seasons and arguably, in 1994/95, only Eric Cantona's suspension, Ludek Miklosko's last-day heroics and an FA Cup final hangover against Everton prevented a third such haul.

A new kid on the block, David Beckham, had even taken to scoring goals from the halfway line and, despite a pair of entertaining home draws with Everton and Blackburn Rovers, it was probably only a matter of time before United eased into top spot in the division again. We did just that on 14 September.

I remember some reports prophesying that the club would dominate for years as we vied for the old Division One title in 1991/92. They proved premature as Leeds United instead took the championship but there was the feeling Ferguson had found the magic formula and the trophy room desperately needed extending.

Arsene Wenger's appointment at Arsenal in 1996 did have a profound effect on the game here. For all the 'Arsene who?' questions, it was a masterstroke by vice-chairman David Dein and shook things up to such an extent that I recall Sir Alex once complaining that this guy, who had just come from Japanese football, was not in a position to tell us what we were doing wrong in England.

Was the boss rattled? Possibly not at the early stage. United won the league again that year but the Gunners finished third and were improving. Come 1997/98, and it was the Londoners who were the undisputed top dogs, doing a Double of their own after beating the Reds to the title by a single point.

The 1-0 loss to Marc Overmars's goal on 14 March was the turning point as Wenger's men reeled the long-time leaders in and many talked of complacency after such free-scoring form by the Reds earlier in the campaign. That might be harsh on United, the reality was there were new bona-fide pretenders to the throne and the gauntlet had been thrown down.

The two clubs were expected to jostle for the top honours again in 1998/99 and Arsenal's comfortable 3-0 hiding at Wembley in the Charity Shield, with new signing Jaap Stam struggling against Nicolas Anelka and company, laid down a marker. As was the case with every challenge he faced in his long and distinguished managerial career, Sir Alex met it. Head on.

What happened next is the stuff of legend. The Reds were forced to improve to such an extent that not only did we see off the Gunners in the league and FA Cup, after the most thrilling of epochal semi-final replays that will forever live in the memory, but we used to momentum to conquer Europe too - landing the European Cup for the first time since 1968.

Would this have happened without Arsenal raising the bar and ensuring there could be no cruising to glory at domestic level? It is impossible to say but Wenger became a serious adversary and, though the battle had been won, the war was not yet over. In the following two seasons, United finished well clear of the second-placed Highbury side in the table before the next great Wenger side lifted the title with Thierry Henry its irrepressible spearhead.

Driven to regain the crown, Sir Alex's charges did just that in 2002/03, only for the Invincibles to respond by setting an historic benchmark by going the league season unbeaten to deservedly take all the plaudits a year later. And then came a new threat - Jose Mourinho at Chelsea. The landscape changed again and United were left behind.

When once it seemed the team could afford a slowish start, only to motor into top gear at the turn of the year, now it was imperative to hit peak form from the outset or be cut adrift. Mourinho's powerful and ruthless Blues side dominated two consecutive Premier Leagues, before Sir Alex steered his Reds back to the summit in 2006/07. Rising to the top again.

Arsene Wenger raised the bar. Jose Mourinho raised the bar. The competition their great sides provided forced United to get better. Without such worthy rivals, the drama would have been far less intense and certainly not as rewarding when the challenges were eventually overcome.

So I hope the Frenchman is afforded the respect he clearly deserves at Old Trafford this weekend. Nobody has taken on Manchester United from the dug-out as many times as the 68-year-old and he will always be intrisically linked to our story, particularly around those classic contests which had bite and passion. The sort of things that we all admire about our great game.

Some may love to hate our rivals in the heat of battle, when the tension is at its highest, but, in reflection, we must acknowledge their competition is the most enriching part of this wonderful game. And Arsene Wenger has been the most marvellous of adversaries.

The opinions expressed in this article are personal to the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Manchester United.

Credit: Manutd.com

Alexis: How it's different at United

Alexis Sanchez is upbeat and motivated as he prepares for a likely reunion with his former club when Manchester United host Arsenal on Sunday.

Our no.7 enjoyed what he described as the most “perfect” of his 14 appearances so far, during Saturday’s Emirates FA Cup semi-final win over Tottenham Hotspur.

The Chilean’s Man-of-the-Match display illustrated his growing assimilation to the Reds after January’s move from the Gunners, though he admits he’s still adapting to the contrasts between the clubs.

“It is very different here,” Alexis told MUTV. “I think United is a club with more history and we want to win trophies next year.

“We need to keep progressing; United is a big club, to which I am still adapting, and I am looking forward to giving everything I’ve got next year and aiming to win everything there is to win.”

Jose Mourinho has stated that we won’t see the best of Alexis until next season and the powerful forward’s tireless performance at Wembley was perhaps another indication of what we can expect in the months to come.

The 29-year-old will no doubt be looking forward to next month’s return to the national stadium for the cup final against Chelsea, after netting his eighth goal in as many games there to help defeat Spurs.

“The truth is that I score every time I play at Wembley!” he added. “I have won several trophies there with my national team and with Arsenal. With Chile, I also scored two goals and that means a lot to me. Wembley brings me good luck.

“We are very happy to have reached the final. I think Saturday’s match was the most perfect one since I joined United, and that makes me very happy for what lies ahead.”

Uber launch Destination United

Manchester United and Uber are bringing Old Trafford to Bengaluru in India to surprise a devoted Manchester United fan and allow him to be the first fan to experience Uber’s 360 Old Trafford Destination United Experience, which encapsulates the essence of the Theatre of Dreams.

As the club’s Official Ride Partner, Uber have created the experience as part of its global campaign, Destination United, supported by COPA90, to celebrate its support of Manchester United football fans around the world, collapsing the distance between the fans and the club by bringing them closer to the team they so passionately support.

The Old Trafford Destination United experience kicks off in Bengaluru from 27 to 29 April, and will include an appearance from club legend and IPL player, Wes Brown.

Thanks to the latest technology, an immersive group 360 experience pod has been created which will encapsulate the essence of the Theatre of Dreams, transporting the visitors through a unique fan journey into the atmosphere and history of Old Trafford.

In addition to the pod, many other iconic Old Trafford experiences have been recreated within the specially designed fan area, such as the players’ tunnel and the first team changing rooms. The stadium’s museum which hosts more than 500 medals and silverware will also be recreated, with some of the memorabilia having been specially transported to India to be on display, with interactive live talks and photo opportunities.

As part of Destination United, Uber scoured the world for football’s most deserving fan and found him in Pratham Prabhu, from India, who has been a Manchester United devotee his whole life but has never visited Old Trafford.

Pratham’s love for Manchester United was passed down from his grandfather, Prathamesh. They watched games together when television in India began broadcasting league matches 20 years ago. Pratham went on to host football parties at home, bringing together people through his passion for MUFC. Rather than sleep, he watched United with Champions League matches beginning at 1.30am and sometimes finishing at dawn.

In addition to this, Pratham and his family will also have the opportunity, alongside 75,000 fans inside the stadium and millions of supporters around the globe to see himself on the digital advertising boards as, for the first time ever, Uber and the club link up during the team’s home fixture against Arsenal on 29 April.

Destination United will also be celebrated at Old Trafford with Uber’s manifesto, pledging its desire to bring fans close to the club displayed around Old Trafford. Two deserving fans chosen by Uber will also be the team’s mascots on the day, leading out the first team on The Theatre of Dreams’ hallowed turf.

Manchester United’s Group Managing Director, Richard Arnold, commented: “Through Destination United, Uber have come up with some really creative ways in which they can connect with our fans worldwide. Their ability to do this on a global scale allows us to engage further with these fans, creating lasting memories and once-in-a-lifetime experiences for supporters of all ages, no matter where they are in the world.”

Chief Brand Officer at Uber, Bozoma Saint John, said: “We are collapsing space and time between the MUFC global fan base by bringing them closer to their passion for the sport and their fellow supporters, creating an opportunity to experience the Theatre of Dreams in a way only Uber can do.”

Destination United is a free-to-attend event with demand expected to be high. Fans can apply for tickets online by visiting https://nvite.com/uber/destinationunited.

Credit: Manutd.com

Ronaldo sends Rashford signed shirt

Marcus Rashford has thanked Cristiano Ronaldo for sending him a signed Real Madrid shirt.

Rashford made his third domestic final with Manchester United this weekend after coming off the bench in the 2-1 win over Tottenham, and received a shirt from Ronaldo with the message: 'To Marcus, keep up the good work'.

The gift from Ronaldo clearly delighted the 20-year-old, who has previously admitted his admiration for the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.

Speaking to the Telegraph last year, Rashford said of Ronaldo: "I used to watch a lot of him growing up, all of his games.

"He was a top player who won a lot of things in his career, so when you know he's saying good things about you then it really stands out.

"I watched all those clips on YouTube and my first-ever game that I saw live, he was playing in it. It was at Old Trafford and I always remember it. It was in 2003. He scored a hat-trick.

"I was only young, I was five. He was my brother's favourite player, that's why I've grown up watching so much of him and his games."

Credit: Skysports.com

Sanchez's success coming at the cost of losing Anthony Martial?

Anthony Martial's stunted development is the real cost of the Alexis Sanchez signing for Manchester United, writes Adam Bate.

The significance of Alexis Sanchez's man of the match performance at Wembley on Saturday was lost on nobody. It was that trademark combination of tenacity and quality that did for Tottenham. This was what Jose Mourinho and Manchester United were buying in January - a player who can be relied upon to make the difference in the big games.

That is why Sanchez can expect to be in the team again for the visit of old club Arsenal on Sunday. It would be no surprise if he delivered the decisive blow then too. But there is still room for a tinge of regret about the fact that Anthony Martial, the man he has replaced, is expected to be sat on the bench. Perhaps he is even heading for an Old Trafford exit.

For all the focus on Sanchez's salary, this could be the true cost of his acquisition. Martial had been in the form of his life at the time of the Chilean's arrival. Just two days prior to the deal's conclusion, he had netted the only goal of the game against Burnley - scoring in a third consecutive Premier League game for the first time in his career.

For Martial's many admirers, this was what they had been waiting to see. A cult hero among a section of the club's supporter base, the belief was that his burgeoning talents were being overlooked by those on the outside. When one potential Manchester United line-up shown on Sky Sports depicted Sanchez displacing Martial, there was outrage. It was unthinkable.

And yet that is precisely how it has worked out. Sanchez made his United debut on the left wing in a 2-0 defeat against Tottenham with Martial immediately moved to the right. The Frenchman's next start came in another away defeat, this time at Newcastle, and once again he was deployed on the right. Soon after, he was dropped. Momentum was lost.

The result is that, three months into Sanchez's Old Trafford career, Martial has made the fewest Premier League appearance of the club's six main attacking options in this period. Sanchez has his left-wing spot but Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata have also enjoyed more minutes on the pitch too.

Martial's record still stands up. Sanchez has scored two goals in his nine Premier League appearances for United so far, but Martial managed more than that in the three games prior to his arrival. And while he has not found the net since then, he still boasts the best minutes-per-goal ratio of anyone at the club this season, including Romelu Lukaku.

It is an indication of what might be achievable given an extended run, but he is yet to start more than six consecutive Premier League games under Mourinho. Restored to the line-up for the recent win at Bournemouth, Martial completed twice as many dribbles and created twice as many chances as any team-mate. He was still an unused substitute at Wembley.

Hopes that it will work out for him at Old Trafford are fading. "I am sorry but at the moment I cannot say anything else about it," Philippe Lamboley, Martial's representative, told the Italian media recently when asked directly whether the player would be staying. There have been reports that he is being touted elsewhere. It appears an exit strategy is being drawn up.

Mourinho has long been clear that he does not want players at his club who do not want to be there. Back in September, he spoke of Martial's improved "mood" and "body language" but if the perception is that he has reacted negatively to the challenge laid down by Sanchez's introduction to the squad that may only reaffirm the manager's concerns.

The problem is that Mourinho has been here before. This was how he framed Kevin De Bruyne's Chelsea exit - pointing to a player who was unwilling to fight for his place. That De Bruyne and Mohamed Salah have since emerged as the country's outstanding performers has become a source of easy criticism of Mourinho, but there is an unfortunate trend.

De Bruyne was 22 years and 172 days old when he made his final appearance under Mourinho at Chelsea. The following season, Salah was 22 years and 223 days old when he was selected by the same manager for the last time. Both men, it has since emerged, were on the very cusp of elevating their game. They were dispensed with at just the wrong time.

On the day of the FA Cup final against Chelsea, Martial will be 22 years and 165 days old. Could history repeat? It would surely be a mistake if so. "Anthony Martial is a far better player than I was at that age," said Thierry Henry earlier this season. "He can become a world-class player." The fear for United is that this potential could be realised elsewhere.

Mourinho has always insisted that he knows Martial has the necessary talent. "We just want consistency," he added. But that consistency tends to come with age and experience, a natural consequence of a maturation process that takes time. As Henry suggests, with the right encouragement it is possible to improve greatly in the coming years.

United's preference for the finished project is understandable. The desire to challenge rivals Manchester City is urgent and the belief is that Sanchez, who turns 30 later this year, can deliver in the here and now. But surely it will take more than off-the-peg acquisitions to close the gap on Pep Guardiola's expensively-assembled squad.

Such is City's wealth that it is only by nurturing talent and maximising potential that United's ambitions can be realised. Creating the next superstar will be just as pivotal to the club's success as buying the current one - and much cheaper too. Synergy should be prioritised over star names. Exponential improvement as well as consistency of output.

Sanchez could well be the hero of the hour against Arsenal at Old Trafford this weekend but there is still time for Martial to become the hero of the decade at the same venue. Whether or not there is still time for him to convince the Manchester United manager of this possibility, could yet be the biggest long-term consequence of Sanchez's signature.

Credit: Skysports.com