
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho says Alexis Sanchez joined the Red Devils to be in the Champions League. The Chilean international made the switch from Arsenal in January with Henrikh Mkhitaryan going in the opposite direction, having previously cited a desire to play in Europe.
“Manchester United in the Champions League is quite a big thing. We always want to play against the best teams and this is why we like this competition. So, Alexis wanted to come to a team in order to play in the Champions League,” said Mourinho, reports the Express.
Arsenal struggles could well be what led Alexis to leave. The Gunners finished fifth in the Premier League table last season, forcing them to play in the Europa League this season.
Arsene Wenger’s side are currently outside of the top-four places too, and their Champions League hopes being again at risk may have made up Alexis’ mind to seek greener pastures.
Manchester United haven’t been without their own struggles, however. The Red Devils also finished outside of the Champions League spots last season, only booked their place in the competition after winning the Europa League in 2017.
Jose Mourinho’s men are currently second in the Premier League with 56 points from 27 games this campaign. They look on course to seal back-to-back seasons in the Champions League, and them being in the last-16 means they have a glimmer of hope of going all the way.
Alexis Sanchez was used to deep runs in Europe during his time at Barcelona, and he’ll be hopeful of leading United to the quarter-finals this season.
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