Man Utd boss Jose Mourinho breaks silence and makes shock admission about Alexis Sanchez

Old Trafford officials have been working to complete a deal with Arsenal for the £35million-rated Chile forward, with midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan going the other way in part-exchange.

Mourinho has made it clear that he wanted Sanchez in his plans for the trip to Turf Moor tomorrow but United had to have him registered by noon today in order for him to be able to play. That, it appears, has not happened.

The hold up appears to be the fact Mkhitaryan, who United are using as bait in the deal, has still to agree personal terms with the Gunners.

Mourinho appeared at a press conference today to discuss the matter said: “Sanchez? Nothing new, I think clearly everybody knows that we are there and especially when Arsenal manager speaks so clearly like he did, there is no point in trying to hide or deny but not done at all.

“In this moment Mkhitaryan our player, Sanchez an Arsenal player, and with a match tomorrow I want to switch off and focus on the most important thing, which is the match.”

Mourinho was then asked if Alexis Sanchez arriving at Old Trafford is dependent on Mkhitaryan agreeing to go the other way.

He said: “I don’t know. Sometimes people thinks transfers involve the managers a lot in the negotiations but I  think it depends on the profile of the club, the way we establish our jobs and in my case when it goes to the table of negotiations I like to be out [of it].

“I am out and I will just calmly waiting for news, no more than that. My involvement in the situation is just to say the reasons why I would like to have the player and no more than that, I’m out.

“Let’s be clearer – if it happens. If it doesn’t happen there is no point. I will speak with you if one day we sign him.

“I can speak with you about him and what he can bring to our team. He’s an Arsenal player, he’s not my player, there’s no point in me speaking about something that may or may ot happen.”

Mourinho, meanwhile, has confirmed Mkhitaryan will not feature in his squad for the trip to the Clarets.

He said: “No, not selected. But [he is] in very good condition, training really well and in good conditions like the others.”