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."