Alexis Sanchez
Jose Mourinho has hailed £600-000-a-week Alexis Sanchez as cheap, arguing that the deal is effectively a free transfer.
The Chilean, earning over half a million pounds a week once his image rights and signing-on fee are taken into account, made his debut at Huish Park in the FA Cup fourth-round tie at Yeovil on Friday night, making an instant impact with two assists.
The player’s wages are extraordinary but no money has changed hands between United and Arsenal, with Henrikh Mkhitaryan — who Mourinho did not trust to perform — moving in the opposite direction.
In valuing the Armenian at £35million and swapping the players, United are delighted with the negotiations.
‘He was cheap, wasn’t he?’ said Mourinho. ‘A free transfer! He was free. For that price, he is fantastic. I think everyone thinks the same in this country.
‘I think everyone has to agree that he is a fantastic player. He has great quality and scores goals, makes assists, has a good attitude when the team loses the ball, he’s good at set pieces. I think really he is one of the best attacking players in the world.’