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."