Manchester United are set to embark on a new era under new manager Erik Ten Hag as they aim to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season. United endured a horrendous campaign last season as they missed out on a top-four spot in the Premier League to finish a disappointing sixth while also getting knocked from the Round of 16 in the Champions League.

After sacking former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer last season and letting go of Ralf Rangnick, who served as an interim manager after Solskjaer's departure, United are banking on Ten Hag to bail them out of trouble next season and bring an end to the five-year-long trophy drought at the club.

However, with a squad full of glaring holes that need to be filled ahead of the new season, Ten Hag has his task cut out. The Dutch manager has already prioritised midfield as a key area that he would like to reinforce ahead of the new season after the departure of the likes of Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic, Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard.

While United have already roped in Christian Eriksen on a free signing, they are still in the market for more solid midfielders with Barcelona's Frenkie De Jong on top of their wish list. De Jong has been heavily linked with a move to United this summer and it is believed a deal for the Dutch midfielder is close despite his initial reluctance to leave the La Liga club.

Also Read -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-erling-haaland-misses-a-sitter-for-manchester-city-as-liverpool-win-community-shield-502238">WATCH: Erling Haaland misses a sitter for Manchester City as Liverpool win Community Shield</a>

De Jong is one of the most talented midfielders in the world, who joined Barcelona from Ajax in 2020. However, the Dutch midfielder is reportedly on extraordinarily high wages and Barcelona are looking to offload him to balance their wage bill ahead of the new season.

Barcelona have already made a host of new signings this summer and keeping De Jong on his current wages might pose a problem for them in registering their new signings. If his move to Manchester United materialises, De Jong will join a unique list of footballers who have played for Barcelona and United, two of the most successful clubs in the world.

Here is a look at some of the top footballers who have played for both Barcelona and Man Utd:

Jordi Cruyff

<img alt="Jordi" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e27a4a4b-ea58-4671-9de2-e1dcd6bf7185" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Jordi.png" />

Jordi Cruyff, the son of Barcelona and Netherland legend Johan Cruyff is one of the handful of footballers to have played for Barcelona and Manchester United in their careers. Jordi, an attacking midfielder started his career at Barcelona where he came up through the ranks before making his first team debut in 1994.

Jordi made 54&nbsp;appereances for Barcelona before joining United in 1996. He scored 8 times in 54 games for United and ledt the club on loan to La Liga side Celta Vigo in 1999 before securing a permanent move to Alaves. Jordi is currently serving as an sporting advisor for his former club Barcelona.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/a-lot-of-sht-was-said-about-me-robert-lewandowski-lashes-out-at-bayern-munich-after-joining-barcelona-502036">'A lot of sh*t was said about me': Lewandowski lashes out at Bayern Munich after joining Barcelona</a>

Gerard Pique

<img alt="Pique" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3d3605f2-86b1-49c9-98fe-32f884e15e0a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Pique.png" />

Gerard Pique, who is regarded as one of the finest central defenders of the generation, came through Barcelona's famed La Masia academy. However, he left Barcelona to join Manchester United in 2004 and spent 4 seasons at Old Trafford before returning to Barcelona in 2008.

He established his credentials as one of the best defenders in the world at Barcelona and helped them dominate European football for several years. Pique is still at Barcelona having won 8 La Liga titles, 3 Champions League trophies and 3 UEFA Super Cup titles with the club so far.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

<img alt="zlatan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="285a653e-2513-4f46-97c1-9a28945d3376" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Zlatan%20g.png" />

Zlatan Ibrahimovic too enjoyed successive spells at both FC Barcelona and Manchester United. The Swedish striker, who currently plays for Italian club AC Milan and is still going strong at 40, spent two seasons at United under fomer manager Jose Mourinho from 2016 to 2018.&nbsp;

Ibrahimovic scored 29 goals in 53 appereances for the Red Devils and won the Europa League and the League Cup with the club. The superstar striker had earlier spent two seasons with FC Barcelona as well from 2009 to 2011 where he scored 16 goals in 29 matches in the La Liga before joining AC Milan.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cristiano-ronaldo-eager-to-exit-man-utd-to-not-lose-ucl-record-to-arch-rival-lionel-messi-report-501718">Cristiano Ronaldo eager to exit Man Utd to not lose UCL record to arch-rival Lionel Messi: Report</a>

Alexis Sanchez

<img alt="Sanchez" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9bc35904-6cdf-4538-88b5-b29918461ec0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Sanchez.png" />

Aexis Sanchez might be one of the finest forwards of the current generation but the Chilean had a forgetful spell at Manchester United after signing for the club from Premier League rivals Arsenal in 2018. He managed just 3 goals in 32 league appereances for United in what was a horrendous spell for the Chilean at Old Trafford.

Sanchez, however, enjoyed a successful spell at FC Barcelona from 2011 to 2014. The Chilean forward made 88 appereances for the Spanish club and scored 39 goals while winning a La Liga and a UEFA Super Cup title with the club.

Memphis Depay

<img alt="Memphis" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a44f750a-f785-48f5-b0e8-d459f79c7443" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Memphis.png" />

Memphis Depay was considered the next big thing in Dutch football when Manchester United signed him from PSV Eindhoven in 2015. Depay arrived in a deal worth 25 million pounds and signed a 4-year contract at United. He had a decent start before suffering a downfall after infamously asking to wear the iconic no.7 shirt at United.

Depay managed to score only 7 goals in 53 appereances for the club before leaving for French club Lyon in 2016. He scripted his resurgence at Lyon with 76 goas in 178 appereances before FC Barcelona roped him in last year to bolster their attack. However, Depay has failed to impress at Barcelona and might leave the club this summer.

&nbsp;

Manchester United are set to embark on a new era under new manager Erik Ten Hag as they aim to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season. United endured a horrendous campaign last season as they missed out on a top-four spot in the Premier League to finish a disappointing sixth while also getting knocked from the Round of 16 in the Champions League.

Manchester United are set to embark on a new era under new manager Erik Ten Hag as they aim to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season. United endured a horrendous campaign last season as they missed out on a top-four spot in the Premier League to finish a disappointing sixth while also getting knocked from the Round of 16 in the Champions League. After sacking former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer last season and letting go of Ralf Rangnick, who served as an interim manager after Solskjaer's departure, United are banking on Ten Hag to bail them out of trouble next season and bring an end to the five-year-long trophy drought at the club. However, with a squad full of glaring holes that need to be filled ahead of the new season, Ten Hag has his task cut out. The Dutch manager has already prioritised midfield as a key area that he would like to reinforce ahead of the new season after the departure of the likes of Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic, Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard. While United have already roped in Christian Eriksen on a free signing, they are still in the market for more solid midfielders with Barcelona's Frenkie De Jong on top of their wish list. De Jong has been heavily linked with a move to United this summer and it is believed a deal for the Dutch midfielder is close despite his initial reluctance to leave the La Liga club. Also Read - WATCH: Erling Haaland misses a sitter for Manchester City as Liverpool win Community Shield De Jong is one of the most talented midfielders in the world, who joined Barcelona from Ajax in 2020. However, the Dutch midfielder is reportedly on extraordinarily high wages and Barcelona are looking to offload him to balance their wage bill ahead of the new season. Barcelona have already made a host of new signings this summer and keeping De Jong on his current wages might pose a problem for them in registering their new signings. If his move to Manchester United materialises, De Jong will join a unique list of footballers who have played for Barcelona and United, two of the most successful clubs in the world. Here is a look at some of the top footballers who have played for both Barcelona and Man Utd: Jordi Cruyff Jordi Cruyff, the son of Barcelona and Netherland legend Johan Cruyff is one of the handful of footballers to have played for Barcelona and Manchester United in their careers. Jordi, an attacking midfielder started his career at Barcelona where he came up through the ranks before making his first team debut in 1994. Jordi made 54 appereances for Barcelona before joining United in 1996. He scored 8 times in 54 games for United and ledt the club on loan to La Liga side Celta Vigo in 1999 before securing a permanent move to Alaves. Jordi is currently serving as an sporting advisor for his former club Barcelona. Also Read: 'A lot of sh*t was said about me': Lewandowski lashes out at Bayern Munich after joining Barcelona Gerard Pique Gerard Pique, who is regarded as one of the finest central defenders of the generation, came through Barcelona's famed La Masia academy. However, he left Barcelona to join Manchester United in 2004 and spent 4 seasons at Old Trafford before returning to Barcelona in 2008. He established his credentials as one of the best defenders in the world at Barcelona and helped them dominate European football for several years. Pique is still at Barcelona having won 8 La Liga titles, 3 Champions League trophies and 3 UEFA Super Cup titles with the club so far. Zlatan Ibrahimovic Zlatan Ibrahimovic too enjoyed successive spells at both FC Barcelona and Manchester United. The Swedish striker, who currently plays for Italian club AC Milan and is still going strong at 40, spent two seasons at United under fomer manager Jose Mourinho from 2016 to 2018. Ibrahimovic scored 29 goals in 53 appereances for the Red Devils and won the Europa League and the League Cup with the club. The superstar striker had earlier spent two seasons with FC Barcelona as well from 2009 to 2011 where he scored 16 goals in 29 matches in the La Liga before joining AC Milan. Also Read: Cristiano Ronaldo eager to exit Man Utd to not lose UCL record to arch-rival Lionel Messi: Report Alexis Sanchez Aexis Sanchez might be one of the finest forwards of the current generation but the Chilean had a forgetful spell at Manchester United after signing for the club from Premier League rivals Arsenal in 2018. He managed just 3 goals in 32 league appereances for United in what was a horrendous spell for the Chilean at Old Trafford. Sanchez, however, enjoyed a successful spell at FC Barcelona from 2011 to 2014. The Chilean forward made 88 appereances for the Spanish club and scored 39 goals while winning a La Liga and a UEFA Super Cup title with the club. Memphis Depay Memphis Depay was considered the next big thing in Dutch football when Manchester United signed him from PSV Eindhoven in 2015. Depay arrived in a deal worth 25 million pounds and signed a 4-year contract at United. He had a decent start before suffering a downfall after infamously asking to wear the iconic no.7 shirt at United. Depay managed to score only 7 goals in 53 appereances for the club before leaving for French club Lyon in 2016. He scripted his resurgence at Lyon with 76 goas in 178 appereances before FC Barcelona roped him in last year to bolster their attack. However, Depay has failed to impress at Barcelona and might leave the club this summer.

Will Frenkie De Jong sign for Manchester United? A look at players who have played for Barcelona and Man Utd

Manchester United forward Alexis Sanchez has been released by the club to join Italian side Inter Milan on a free transfer in is a three-year deal for the Chilean. Sanchez, who has been on loan at Inter since the summer of 2019, is set to receive a small pay-off from the English club after agreeing to waive the final two years of his £560k-per-week contract.

With the permanent move to Inter, Sanchez ends his disappointing two-and-a-half-year spell at Old Trafford after arriving in a swap deal involving Henrikh Mkhitaryan from Arsenal. Sanchez just scored five goals in 45 appearances for United.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-kohli-finch-driven-captains-and-inspirational-players-kane-richardson-318576" hreflang="en">Exclusive - Kohli, Finch driven captains and inspirational players: Kane Richardson</a>

After confirming Sanchez's exit, a United statement read: "Everyone at Manchester United wishes Alexis Sanchez all the best in his future career as he joins Inter Milan on a permanent transfer."

Earlier in August 2019, former United defender Gary Neville gave an honest assessment of Sanchez’s stay at Manchester as he said no one could have foreseen that it would turn out to be a disaster.&nbsp;

"I thought he would be a forward who would play all across the line, who scored goals and was tenacious, but Sanchez has been an absolute disaster. I have no idea what's happened to him. There must be two of them. No one could have foreseen the disaster that was about to happen with Alexis Sanchez,” Neville had said on Sky Sports.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/man-city-sign-bournemouth-defender-nathan-ake-318548" hreflang="en">Man City sign Bournemouth defender Nathan Ake</a>

"I don't know what happened to him. That wasn't the Alexis Sanchez that played at Arsenal. He wasn't old when United signed him. He'd been proven. We knew United would get only a couple of years out of him, I know his wages were massive.

"But my point is, no one could have foreseen how bad he would be for the club."

Sanchez will look to continue his bright form for Inter with next immediate focus on ongoing Europa League 2019-20 trophy. 
&nbsp;

Manchester United forward Alexis Sanchez has been released by the club to join Italian side Inter Milan on a free transfer in is a three-year deal for the Chilean.

Manchester United forward Alexis Sanchez has been released by the club to join Italian side Inter Milan on a free transfer in is a three-year deal for the Chilean. Sanchez, who has been on loan at Inter since the summer of 2019, is set to receive a small pay-off from the English club after agreeing to waive the final two years of his £560k-per-week contract. With the permanent move to Inter, Sanchez ends his disappointing two-and-a-half-year spell at Old Trafford after arriving in a swap deal involving Henrikh Mkhitaryan from Arsenal. Sanchez just scored five goals in 45 appearances for United. ALSO READ: Exclusive - Kohli, Finch driven captains and inspirational players: Kane Richardson After confirming Sanchez's exit, a United statement read: "Everyone at Manchester United wishes Alexis Sanchez all the best in his future career as he joins Inter Milan on a permanent transfer." Earlier in August 2019, former United defender Gary Neville gave an honest assessment of Sanchez’s stay at Manchester as he said no one could have foreseen that it would turn out to be a disaster. "I thought he would be a forward who would play all across the line, who scored goals and was tenacious, but Sanchez has been an absolute disaster. I have no idea what's happened to him. There must be two of them. No one could have foreseen the disaster that was about to happen with Alexis Sanchez,” Neville had said on Sky Sports. ALSO READ: Man City sign Bournemouth defender Nathan Ake "I don't know what happened to him. That wasn't the Alexis Sanchez that played at Arsenal. He wasn't old when United signed him. He'd been proven. We knew United would get only a couple of years out of him, I know his wages were massive. "But my point is, no one could have foreseen how bad he would be for the club." Sanchez will look to continue his bright form for Inter with next immediate focus on ongoing Europa League 2019-20 trophy.

Alexis Sanchez joins Inter Milan on free transfer after leaving Manchester United

Manchester United will try to sign one or two players in the January transfer window to improve their chances of finishing in the top four but will not spend big on transfer fees and wages, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has said.

United are 12th in the Premier League ahead of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-head-to-united-with-widest-gulf-in-years-256390">Sunday's home game </a>against league leaders Liverpool after a poor start to the season that has been further disrupted by injuries to key players.

Solskjaer sanctioned the departures of forwards Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez in the close season without reinforcing United's attack and the Norwegian also has goalkeeper David De Gea and midfielder Paul Pogba out injured.

"We're looking at one or two new signings. We're one or two players light," Solskjaer told Sky Sports. "If the right ones are available in January then we might do something. If not, these players will give everything (for a top four finish).

"I'm not going to go down the route of bringing players in on big contracts and big fees if they're not the right ones for the whole group and for the future. The money is there to strengthen in January and in the summer."

United started the season with a 4-0 win over Chelsea but have scored five goals in seven league matches since and Solskjaer said an injury to forward Anthony Martial, who has not played since August, was a factor in their struggles.

"There's many reasons, but one of them is injuries to Anthony," the 46-year-old former United player said. "Creating chances has been a challenge for us with teams dropping deep.

"But we're practising patterns every single week. When we get the players fit, I'm going to make Marcus and Anthony score those scruffy goals, as that's what I did."

Manchester United will try to sign one or two players in the January transfer window to improve their chances of finishing in the top four but will not spend big on transfer fees and wages, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has said.

Manchester United will try to sign one or two players in the January transfer window to improve their chances of finishing in the top four but will not spend big on transfer fees and wages, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has said. United are 12th in the Premier League ahead of Sunday's home game against league leaders Liverpool after a poor start to the season that has been further disrupted by injuries to key players. Solskjaer sanctioned the departures of forwards Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez in the close season without reinforcing United's attack and the Norwegian also has goalkeeper David De Gea and midfielder Paul Pogba out injured. "We're looking at one or two new signings. We're one or two players light," Solskjaer told Sky Sports. "If the right ones are available in January then we might do something. If not, these players will give everything (for a top four finish). "I'm not going to go down the route of bringing players in on big contracts and big fees if they're not the right ones for the whole group and for the future. The money is there to strengthen in January and in the summer." United started the season with a 4-0 win over Chelsea but have scored five goals in seven league matches since and Solskjaer said an injury to forward Anthony Martial, who has not played since August, was a factor in their struggles. "There's many reasons, but one of them is injuries to Anthony," the 46-year-old former United player said. "Creating chances has been a challenge for us with teams dropping deep. "But we're practising patterns every single week. When we get the players fit, I'm going to make Marcus and Anthony score those scruffy goals, as that's what I did."

Manchester United will reinforce squad in January, says manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Champions Chile maintained their hopes of a third straight Copa America victory after beating Colombia on penalties on Friday to reach the semi-finals.

Chile could have won the game in normal time but had two goals ruled out for marginal decisions in a scoreless draw, before Alexis Sanchez stroked home the winning spot-kick.

It was just rewarding for the champions after dominating a match in which Colombia held on thanks to a couple of tight VAR calls.

Charles Aranguiz had a goal ruled out in the first half for a marginal offside against <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-alexis-sanchez-strikes-again-to-take-chile-into-quarters-229418&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjGoODWio7jAhUTk3AKHWFNAYkQFjABegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0Uct2rjBNMMYKCsvAx-2wK">Sanchez </a>in the build-up to the move.

And after Arturo Vidal shot low into the far corner on 70 minutes, that was chalked off for a handball against Guillermo Maripan, who had teed up the Barcelona midfielder.

Following eight successful penalties, William Tesillo casually put his effort wide for Colombia, leaving Sanchez to be the hero, as the Manchester United forward continues to make up in Brazil for a dreadful club season.

"We dominated practically the whole match. It was a great match against a team with a lot of quality," said Vidal.

"We scored two goals that unfortunately VAR annulled. We deserved to have won in normal time, we couldn't, but we managed to score the five penalties and went into the next round," he added.

They will face either Uruguay, who beat them 1-0 in the group stages on Monday, or Peru in Wednesday's semi-final in Porto Alegre.

"Penalties are more in the hands of God than the players, that's the way they've always been and always will be," moaned Colombia coach Carlos Queiroz.

Chile bemused&nbsp; 
 
The first half was dominated by Chile's 16th-minute goal being controversially disallowed.

Jean Beausejour made a surging, overlapping run down the left and his inviting cross was spilled by Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina after Davinson Sanchez got in his way, allowing Aranguiz to nip in and slot home from a tight angle.

But much to the bemusement of many watching, the referee consulted <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-organisers-satisfied-with-use-of-var-despite-lengthy-delays-230565&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjN9cOui47jAhWMPY8KHfH4CFEQFjAAegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2zC3hV_1WlUy8b3P4NxQeT">VAR </a>and the goal was chalked off for the most marginal of offsides.

Until then, Colombia had been the better side. On five minutes, a Radamel Falcao cushioned header found Roger Martinez but the forward wanted an extra touch and his goal-bound volley was charged down.

James Rodriguez then had a free-kick in a dangerous position but failed to clear the defensive wall.

Ospina made an incredible one-handed save on 12 minutes to keep out an Eduardo Vargas header from a Jose Fuenzalida cross, but it wouldn't have counted anyway as the ball was deemed to have been out of play.

Soon after the disallowed goal tempers flared as Sanchez squared up to Wilmar Barrios, only to then find himself face-to-face with Colombia's giant centre-back Yerry Mina.

Chile were by now in control of proceedings and Maripan headed over from a Beausejour cross.

The champions were buzzing and Mauricio Isla threaded a through ball to Vargas, whose shot was blocked by a sliding Mina.

Chile were looking increasingly threatening as Sanchez fired wide, Fuenzalida had a shot blocked and Vidal went closest yet with a curler from 18 yards.

VAR saves Colombia again&nbsp; 
 
Colombia made a bright opening to the second period as Rodriguez curled a free-kick into the side-netting and Juan Cuadrado sliced well wide on a rapier counter-attack.

Ospina was having a jittery performance and needed two attempts to gather a long-range Vargas strike.

The best chance of the match came on the hour when Aranguiz slipped in Sanchez behind the defence but under pressure from a backtracking Davinson Sanchez, the Manchester United forward sliced his shot horribly wide.

When Chile had the ball in the net again on 70 minutes after Vidal fired home through a forest of legs into the far corner, Argentine referee Nestor Pitana again signalled to <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-brazil-have-three-goals-denied-by-var-in-draw-with-venezuela-228581&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjN9cOui47jAhWMPY8KHfH4CFEQFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2ZDP0E4mKQrVHOajO0MgcN">VAR </a>and Colombia were reprieved for the second time.

Chile continued to boss proceedings right to the end but in the shoot-out, it was third time lucky as not even VAR could deny them victory this time.

Champions Chile maintained their hopes of a third straight Copa America victory after beating Colombia on penalties on Friday to reach the semi-finals. Chile could have won the game in normal time but had two goals ruled out for marginal decisions in a scoreless draw, before Alexis Sanchez stroked home the winning spot-kick.

Champions Chile maintained their hopes of a third straight Copa America victory after beating Colombia on penalties on Friday to reach the semi-finals. Chile could have won the game in normal time but had two goals ruled out for marginal decisions in a scoreless draw, before Alexis Sanchez stroked home the winning spot-kick. It was just rewarding for the champions after dominating a match in which Colombia held on thanks to a couple of tight VAR calls. Charles Aranguiz had a goal ruled out in the first half for a marginal offside against Sanchez in the build-up to the move. And after Arturo Vidal shot low into the far corner on 70 minutes, that was chalked off for a handball against Guillermo Maripan, who had teed up the Barcelona midfielder. Following eight successful penalties, William Tesillo casually put his effort wide for Colombia, leaving Sanchez to be the hero, as the Manchester United forward continues to make up in Brazil for a dreadful club season. "We dominated practically the whole match. It was a great match against a team with a lot of quality," said Vidal. "We scored two goals that unfortunately VAR annulled. We deserved to have won in normal time, we couldn't, but we managed to score the five penalties and went into the next round," he added. They will face either Uruguay, who beat them 1-0 in the group stages on Monday, or Peru in Wednesday's semi-final in Porto Alegre. "Penalties are more in the hands of God than the players, that's the way they've always been and always will be," moaned Colombia coach Carlos Queiroz. Chile bemused The first half was dominated by Chile's 16th-minute goal being controversially disallowed. Jean Beausejour made a surging, overlapping run down the left and his inviting cross was spilled by Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina after Davinson Sanchez got in his way, allowing Aranguiz to nip in and slot home from a tight angle. But much to the bemusement of many watching, the referee consulted VAR and the goal was chalked off for the most marginal of offsides. Until then, Colombia had been the better side. On five minutes, a Radamel Falcao cushioned header found Roger Martinez but the forward wanted an extra touch and his goal-bound volley was charged down. James Rodriguez then had a free-kick in a dangerous position but failed to clear the defensive wall. Ospina made an incredible one-handed save on 12 minutes to keep out an Eduardo Vargas header from a Jose Fuenzalida cross, but it wouldn't have counted anyway as the ball was deemed to have been out of play. Soon after the disallowed goal tempers flared as Sanchez squared up to Wilmar Barrios, only to then find himself face-to-face with Colombia's giant centre-back Yerry Mina. Chile were by now in control of proceedings and Maripan headed over from a Beausejour cross. The champions were buzzing and Mauricio Isla threaded a through ball to Vargas, whose shot was blocked by a sliding Mina. Chile were looking increasingly threatening as Sanchez fired wide, Fuenzalida had a shot blocked and Vidal went closest yet with a curler from 18 yards. VAR saves Colombia again Colombia made a bright opening to the second period as Rodriguez curled a free-kick into the side-netting and Juan Cuadrado sliced well wide on a rapier counter-attack. Ospina was having a jittery performance and needed two attempts to gather a long-range Vargas strike. The best chance of the match came on the hour when Aranguiz slipped in Sanchez behind the defence but under pressure from a backtracking Davinson Sanchez, the Manchester United forward sliced his shot horribly wide. When Chile had the ball in the net again on 70 minutes after Vidal fired home through a forest of legs into the far corner, Argentine referee Nestor Pitana again signalled to VAR and Colombia were reprieved for the second time. Chile continued to boss proceedings right to the end but in the shoot-out, it was third time lucky as not even VAR could deny them victory this time.

Copa America: Chile beat Colombia on penalties to reach semifinal

Alexis Sanchez shrugged off an ankle injury and continued his resurgent form at the Copa America as the Chile striker fired his side to a 2-1 victory over Ecuador on Friday which took the holders into the quarter-finals of the competition.

Chile took the lead in the eighth minute when Jose Fuenzalida volleyed into the net but Ecuador were awarded a penalty when goalkeeper Gabriel Arias clattered Jhegson Mendez, allowing Enner Valencia to level from the spot in the 26th.

Sanchez, who had ended a barren five-month spell by scoring in Monday's 4-0 win against Japan, put Chile ahead early in the second half, expertly guiding a bouncing cross into the net with one touch.

Ecuador, who were hammered 4-0 by <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-luis-suarez-edinson-cavani-score-as-uruguay-crush-10-man-ecuador-227872&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiOz4_Tr_ziAhUILI8KHZqPBesQFjAFegQIChAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1WrwxdskkJ5ve4oWgzrnu-">Uruguay </a>in their opening game, rarely threatened again and saw defender Gabriel Achilier receive a straight red card in stoppage time for a rash tackle on Arturo Vidal, who had to be taken off.

Sanchez later revealed he had been playing with an ankle injury sustained in the first half.

"After a cross, I rolled my ankle but I put a bandage on it, I took a pill for the pain and I came out again," he told reporters.

"I think I have a sprain, I was playing with pain but I hope it's not too serious," he said.

Chile coach Reinaldo Rueda praised Sanchez for playing on, adding that the ankle was not the same one he injured in May.

"He was evaluated by the doctors at halftime who said he could continue, although he put lots of ice on it at halftime. He made a huge effort in the second half," he said.

"We'll evaluate it again but we hope it isn't serious," Rueda said.

Chile, Copa champions in 2015 and 2016, lead Group C on six points. Uruguay are second on four with Japan third on one and Ecuador bottom with no points.

Ecuador still have an outside chance of sneaking into the quarter-finals as one of the two best ranked third-place finishers but they must win their game against <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-koji-miyoshi-shines-japan-plays-2-2-draw-against-uruguay-229170&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiOz4_Tr_ziAhUILI8KHZqPBesQFjAHegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw200dFTbFxA3KruVs3N4eyg">Japan </a>on Monday and hope other results go their way.

Their coach, Hernan Dario Gomez, gave the briefest of post-match news conferences, saying he was not in the mood to take questions and gave a short assessment of the game before leaving.

Alexis Sanchez shrugged off an ankle injury and continued his resurgent form at the Copa America as the Chile striker fired his side to a 2-1 victory over Ecuador on Friday which took the holders into the quarter-finals of the competition.

Alexis Sanchez shrugged off an ankle injury and continued his resurgent form at the Copa America as the Chile striker fired his side to a 2-1 victory over Ecuador on Friday which took the holders into the quarter-finals of the competition. Chile took the lead in the eighth minute when Jose Fuenzalida volleyed into the net but Ecuador were awarded a penalty when goalkeeper Gabriel Arias clattered Jhegson Mendez, allowing Enner Valencia to level from the spot in the 26th. Sanchez, who had ended a barren five-month spell by scoring in Monday's 4-0 win against Japan, put Chile ahead early in the second half, expertly guiding a bouncing cross into the net with one touch. Ecuador, who were hammered 4-0 by Uruguay in their opening game, rarely threatened again and saw defender Gabriel Achilier receive a straight red card in stoppage time for a rash tackle on Arturo Vidal, who had to be taken off. Sanchez later revealed he had been playing with an ankle injury sustained in the first half. "After a cross, I rolled my ankle but I put a bandage on it, I took a pill for the pain and I came out again," he told reporters. "I think I have a sprain, I was playing with pain but I hope it's not too serious," he said. Chile coach Reinaldo Rueda praised Sanchez for playing on, adding that the ankle was not the same one he injured in May. "He was evaluated by the doctors at halftime who said he could continue, although he put lots of ice on it at halftime. He made a huge effort in the second half," he said. "We'll evaluate it again but we hope it isn't serious," Rueda said. Chile, Copa champions in 2015 and 2016, lead Group C on six points. Uruguay are second on four with Japan third on one and Ecuador bottom with no points. Ecuador still have an outside chance of sneaking into the quarter-finals as one of the two best ranked third-place finishers but they must win their game against Japan on Monday and hope other results go their way. Their coach, Hernan Dario Gomez, gave the briefest of post-match news conferences, saying he was not in the mood to take questions and gave a short assessment of the game before leaving.

Copa America: Alexis Sanchez strikes again to take Chile into quarters

Defending champions started their <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/argentinas-lionel-messi-hopes-to-end-trophy-heartache-at-copa-america-227262&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiux5jQr_LiAhWIs48KHXImBIkQFjAEegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw29YWRhuOSeieSssiRxDAmI">Copa America</a> campaign with a win against Japan 4-0 in their opening match in the group C on Tuesday here at Sao&nbsp;Paulo.

Japan who travelled with the young side in the tournament failed to register a win against much experienced Chile's team.

Chile started attacking Japan's defence after the 30th minute of the game as Alexis Sanchez fired two attempts which went off the target.

For Chile, Erick Pulgar started scoring before the final minutes of the first half.

Pulgar scored in the 41st minute by converting Eduardo Vargas ball to goal through the header, giving Chile a lead of 1-0.

No further goal was scored by the end of the half.

Chile doubled their lead to 2-0 just after the nine minutes of play in the second half. Vargas who struck from the edge of the area got deflected and landed in the goalpost.

Japan's <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/real-madrid-sign-japanese-messi-takefusa-kubo-from-fc-tokyo-227165&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjOueHzr_LiAhVJsI8KHew7DoAQFjAAegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3YlrK-IT0iYyqcHMDYhiEU">Takefusa Kubo</a>, signed by Real Madrid last week, also had an opportunity to score but the ball missed the target and hit on the side-net.

Although Chile's win was confirmed after their 2-0 lead, Sanchez and Vargas had other plans as they doubled it to 4-0.

Vargas scored two goals in the match while Pulgar and Sanchez netted one goal each.

Chile will next play against Ecuador on June 21, while Japan will face Uruguay on June 20.

Defending champions started their Copa America campaign with a win against Japan 4-0 in their opening match in the group C on Tuesday here at Sao Paulo. Japan who travelled with the young side in the tournament failed to register a win against much experienced Chile's team.

Defending champions started their Copa America campaign with a win against Japan 4-0 in their opening match in the group C on Tuesday here at Sao Paulo. Japan who travelled with the young side in the tournament failed to register a win against much experienced Chile's team. Chile started attacking Japan's defence after the 30th minute of the game as Alexis Sanchez fired two attempts which went off the target. For Chile, Erick Pulgar started scoring before the final minutes of the first half. Pulgar scored in the 41st minute by converting Eduardo Vargas ball to goal through the header, giving Chile a lead of 1-0. No further goal was scored by the end of the half. Chile doubled their lead to 2-0 just after the nine minutes of play in the second half. Vargas who struck from the edge of the area got deflected and landed in the goalpost. Japan's Takefusa Kubo, signed by Real Madrid last week, also had an opportunity to score but the ball missed the target and hit on the side-net. Although Chile's win was confirmed after their 2-0 lead, Sanchez and Vargas had other plans as they doubled it to 4-0. Vargas scored two goals in the match while Pulgar and Sanchez netted one goal each. Chile will next play against Ecuador on June 21, while Japan will face Uruguay on June 20.

Copa America: Defending champions Chile begin campaign with 4-0 win against Japan

Alexis Sanchez and Romelu Lukaku must both take their opportunity to impress as an injury crisis cuts through Manchester United's squad, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says.

Both players have struggled for form for much of the season, with Sanchez having started just one Premier League match in 2019, and Lukaku having gone 10 matches without scoring.

The two forwards were heralded as major signings when they arrived at Old Trafford, but neither would now be considered an automatic starter.

However, United's squad is stretched to the limit as they prepare for Wednesday's Premier League trip to Crystal Palace, with 10 players either unavailable or doubtful because of injury.

That list includes four frontline forwards, Anthony Martial, Jesse Lingard, Marcus Rashford and Juan Mata.

Lingard and Mata both had to be substituted during the first half of Sunday's 0-0 draw at home to Liverpool, while Rashford played to the finish despite an ankle injury caused by Jordan Henderson's challenge early on.

France forward Martial missed the game with a groin problem.

Caretaker-manager Solskjaer, though, is confident Sanchez and Lukaku have the quality to impress if given a sustained run in the team.

Sanchez did little to impress after replacing Lingard, but Lukaku did make an impact after being moved from a central position to a wide role in order to reduce the injured Rashford's workload.

"It's a chance for them to play to their potential. Reputation is one thing, but the potential is high," said Solskjaer.

"The two are good mates and they link up well together, so this might be a chance for those two together to find some form and give us a selection headache for when everyone gets fit.

"Rom created our two biggest chances against Liverpool.

"It's a different position for him, but Rashy's injury meant we had to leave him standing up there and running in behind. He couldn't do too much defending work.

"Rom's attitude and workrate were fantastic.Hopefully Alexis and Rom can step up."&nbsp;

'Taking people on'

Solskjaer confirmed Martial would not be risked against Palace, although he could return for Saturday's Premier League home match against Southampton Club captain Antonio Valencia, meanwhile, is several weeks away from a return after aggravating a calf injury.

United also have Matteo Darmian, Phil Jones, Nemanja Matic and Ander Herrera on the sidelines so Solskjaer has called up academy graduates Angel Gomes, Tahith Chong and James Garner for the Palace trip.

"They've been part of our training for a long time now," said Solskjaer.

"Angel has been in that successful England Under-17 side, the 2017 World Cup-winning team with Jadon Sancho, Phil Foden and Callum Hudson-Odoi.

"He's been a big part and has definitely shown he'll do well.

"Jimmy Garner is a Michael Carrick-type player, but 20 years younger. I'm sure he'll do well.

"Chongy will be taking people on if he comes on.

"They're ready, the kids, it's hard if you're a young defender coming on but as an attacker you go out there and express yourself.

"But if you're an attacker you can win the game. You can't lose it."&nbsp;

Alexis Sanchez and Romelu Lukaku must both take their opportunity to impress as an injury crisis cuts through Manchester United's squad, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says.

Alexis Sanchez and Romelu Lukaku must both take their opportunity to impress as an injury crisis cuts through Manchester United's squad, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says. Both players have struggled for form for much of the season, with Sanchez having started just one Premier League match in 2019, and Lukaku having gone 10 matches without scoring. The two forwards were heralded as major signings when they arrived at Old Trafford, but neither would now be considered an automatic starter. However, United's squad is stretched to the limit as they prepare for Wednesday's Premier League trip to Crystal Palace, with 10 players either unavailable or doubtful because of injury. That list includes four frontline forwards, Anthony Martial, Jesse Lingard, Marcus Rashford and Juan Mata. Lingard and Mata both had to be substituted during the first half of Sunday's 0-0 draw at home to Liverpool, while Rashford played to the finish despite an ankle injury caused by Jordan Henderson's challenge early on. France forward Martial missed the game with a groin problem. Caretaker-manager Solskjaer, though, is confident Sanchez and Lukaku have the quality to impress if given a sustained run in the team. Sanchez did little to impress after replacing Lingard, but Lukaku did make an impact after being moved from a central position to a wide role in order to reduce the injured Rashford's workload. "It's a chance for them to play to their potential. Reputation is one thing, but the potential is high," said Solskjaer. "The two are good mates and they link up well together, so this might be a chance for those two together to find some form and give us a selection headache for when everyone gets fit. "Rom created our two biggest chances against Liverpool. "It's a different position for him, but Rashy's injury meant we had to leave him standing up there and running in behind. He couldn't do too much defending work. "Rom's attitude and workrate were fantastic.Hopefully Alexis and Rom can step up." 'Taking people on' Solskjaer confirmed Martial would not be risked against Palace, although he could return for Saturday's Premier League home match against Southampton Club captain Antonio Valencia, meanwhile, is several weeks away from a return after aggravating a calf injury. United also have Matteo Darmian, Phil Jones, Nemanja Matic and Ander Herrera on the sidelines so Solskjaer has called up academy graduates Angel Gomes, Tahith Chong and James Garner for the Palace trip. "They've been part of our training for a long time now," said Solskjaer. "Angel has been in that successful England Under-17 side, the 2017 World Cup-winning team with Jadon Sancho, Phil Foden and Callum Hudson-Odoi. "He's been a big part and has definitely shown he'll do well. "Jimmy Garner is a Michael Carrick-type player, but 20 years younger. I'm sure he'll do well. "Chongy will be taking people on if he comes on. "They're ready, the kids, it's hard if you're a young defender coming on but as an attacker you go out there and express yourself. "But if you're an attacker you can win the game. You can't lose it."

Injuries open way for Sanchez and Lukaku to shine for Manchester United

Manchester United forward Alexis Sanchez is concerned people may not have seen his best at Old Trafford as he continues to fight for an extended run of playing time this season.

The Chile international is a shadow of the player he was at Arsenal, having scored just five goals in 37 appearances since moving to United in January 2018.

"I would like to have brought more joy to the club," Sanchez told the BBC.

"Yes, it worries me because I believe in my abilities as a player, I want to show it."

After struggling for form and fitness under former manager Jose Mourinho, Sanchez has fallen further down the pecking order under caretaker boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

"He (Solskjaer) hasn't spoken to me a great deal about what I have to do on the pitch, but I think I'm an experienced player and I think I know what I need to do and what I shouldn't do," Sanchez added.

The 30-year-old is behind Marcus Rashford, Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial in contention for first-team spots and did his chances no good after an underwhelming display as a substitute in Tuesday's Champions League defeat by Paris St Germain.

Sanchez, however, confirmed he was injured after an assistant referee ran into him as he warmed up on the sidelines.

"I've got bruising but that's not an excuse for not being on my game in the way that I normally am," he said.

"I'm a player that, if I'm not in contact with the ball, I lose that spark, and sometimes I want to play in every game. You're in, you're out, and I'm used to playing.

"It's not an excuse because if I go on for 10, 20 minutes, I have to perform because that's what I'm here for, to make a difference."

United next face FA Cup holders Chelsea in the fifth round at Stamford Bridge on Monday.

Manchester United forward Alexis Sanchez is concerned people may not have seen his best at Old Trafford as he continues to fight for an extended run of playing time this season.

Manchester United forward Alexis Sanchez is concerned people may not have seen his best at Old Trafford as he continues to fight for an extended run of playing time this season. The Chile international is a shadow of the player he was at Arsenal, having scored just five goals in 37 appearances since moving to United in January 2018. "I would like to have brought more joy to the club," Sanchez told the BBC. "Yes, it worries me because I believe in my abilities as a player, I want to show it." After struggling for form and fitness under former manager Jose Mourinho, Sanchez has fallen further down the pecking order under caretaker boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. "He (Solskjaer) hasn't spoken to me a great deal about what I have to do on the pitch, but I think I'm an experienced player and I think I know what I need to do and what I shouldn't do," Sanchez added. The 30-year-old is behind Marcus Rashford, Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial in contention for first-team spots and did his chances no good after an underwhelming display as a substitute in Tuesday's Champions League defeat by Paris St Germain. Sanchez, however, confirmed he was injured after an assistant referee ran into him as he warmed up on the sidelines. "I've got bruising but that's not an excuse for not being on my game in the way that I normally am," he said. "I'm a player that, if I'm not in contact with the ball, I lose that spark, and sometimes I want to play in every game. You're in, you're out, and I'm used to playing. "It's not an excuse because if I go on for 10, 20 minutes, I have to perform because that's what I'm here for, to make a difference." United next face FA Cup holders Chelsea in the fifth round at Stamford Bridge on Monday.

Alexis Sanchez worried over losing his spark at Man United

Chilean forward Alex Sanchez returned to haunt his old club with the opening goal in Manchester United's 3-1 victory at Arsenal in a heavyweight FA Cup fourth-round clash on Friday.

In his first appearance back at the Emirates Stadium since swapping north London for Old Trafford a year ago, Sanchez silenced the inevitable boos to help continue Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's remarkable start as United's interim manager.

Sanchez and Jesse Lingard scored within two minutes of each other in the first half but Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang replied just before halftime to set up an engrossing second half.

Arsenal suffered injury blows, with defenders Sokratis and Laurent Koscielny both being forced off, although they pushed hard for an equaliser in the second period.

But United, who are second behind Arsenal in all-time FA Cup wins with 12, absorbed the pressure and sealed an eighth successive win for Solskjaer in the 82nd minute when substitute Anthony Martial tapped home after a counter-attack.

A feisty tie threatened to boil over late on with United substitute Marcus Rashford and Arsenal's Sead Kolasinac squaring up near the touchline to spark a melee in which a coin was thrown from the crowd towards Lingard.

Rashford and Kolasinac were both booked with six yellow cards handed out in total by referee Craig Pawson.

United's former Norwegian hitman Solskjaer arrived as a stop-gap with United at a low ebb after a rancorous few months under the sacked Jose Mourinho, but has transformed the mood at the club and appears to be unable to do any wrong.

"It's fantastic to go through in the cup. It's one of the hardest games you can get," Solskjaer, whose start has eclipsed that of the great Matt Busby, said.

"Today we looked more like a proper team. We looked more structured. Today was a big step forward.

"It's easy to get excited and talk about the future but we need to just keep working and think about the next game."

Confident United

United arrived brimming with confidence, especially after their Premier League win at Tottenham Hotspur a fortnight ago.

Solskjaer said Friday's display was a step up on that display at Wembley and his decision to start with two players who have struggled for form, proved inspirational.

Sanchez, who scored 60 league goals for Arsenal in 4-1/2 seasons, revelled in a rare start in front of the fans who used to sing his name, while Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku produced one of his best performances in a United shirt.

Arsenal began brightly and United back-up Sergio Romero was the busier of the two keepers.

But Unai Emery's side were rocked in the 31st minute when Lukaku's superb reverse pass put Sanchez in and he calmly rounded keeper Petr Cech before clipping in from a tight angle.

Two minutes later an Arsenal attack broke down, Luke Shaw set Lukaku away down the right and the Belgian rolled the ball across for the unmarked Lingard to sidefoot past Cech.

Arsenal got a lifeline just before the break when the excellent Aaron Ramsey's cut-back saw Alexandre Lacazette make a hash of his attempt but the ball arrived at the feet of Aubameyang who could not miss.

A hectic finish to an absorbing first half ended with Shkodran Mustafi heading just wide and straight after the interval Romero's reflex save stopped a Koscielny header.

Koscielny's involvement came to an abrupt end when the Arsenal skipper was accidentally caught in the face by Lukaku's trailing leg -- the Frenchman receiving lengthy treatment before groggily going off to be replaced by Matteo Guendouzi.

Out-of-favour Mesut Ozil also came off the bench, replacing Alex Iwobi, but Arsenal's hopes of rescuing the tie were over when Paul Pogba surged clear and his shot was parried by Cech into the path of Martial who sent the United fans wild.

In the night's other fourth-round clash Bristol City beat Bolton Wanderers 2-1.

Chilean forward Alex Sanchez returned to haunt his old club with the opening goal in Manchester United's 3-1 victory at Arsenal in a heavyweight FA Cup fourth-round clash on Friday.

Chilean forward Alex Sanchez returned to haunt his old club with the opening goal in Manchester United's 3-1 victory at Arsenal in a heavyweight FA Cup fourth-round clash on Friday. In his first appearance back at the Emirates Stadium since swapping north London for Old Trafford a year ago, Sanchez silenced the inevitable boos to help continue Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's remarkable start as United's interim manager. Sanchez and Jesse Lingard scored within two minutes of each other in the first half but Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang replied just before halftime to set up an engrossing second half. Arsenal suffered injury blows, with defenders Sokratis and Laurent Koscielny both being forced off, although they pushed hard for an equaliser in the second period. But United, who are second behind Arsenal in all-time FA Cup wins with 12, absorbed the pressure and sealed an eighth successive win for Solskjaer in the 82nd minute when substitute Anthony Martial tapped home after a counter-attack. A feisty tie threatened to boil over late on with United substitute Marcus Rashford and Arsenal's Sead Kolasinac squaring up near the touchline to spark a melee in which a coin was thrown from the crowd towards Lingard. Rashford and Kolasinac were both booked with six yellow cards handed out in total by referee Craig Pawson. United's former Norwegian hitman Solskjaer arrived as a stop-gap with United at a low ebb after a rancorous few months under the sacked Jose Mourinho, but has transformed the mood at the club and appears to be unable to do any wrong. "It's fantastic to go through in the cup. It's one of the hardest games you can get," Solskjaer, whose start has eclipsed that of the great Matt Busby, said. "Today we looked more like a proper team. We looked more structured. Today was a big step forward. "It's easy to get excited and talk about the future but we need to just keep working and think about the next game." Confident United United arrived brimming with confidence, especially after their Premier League win at Tottenham Hotspur a fortnight ago. Solskjaer said Friday's display was a step up on that display at Wembley and his decision to start with two players who have struggled for form, proved inspirational. Sanchez, who scored 60 league goals for Arsenal in 4-1/2 seasons, revelled in a rare start in front of the fans who used to sing his name, while Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku produced one of his best performances in a United shirt. Arsenal began brightly and United back-up Sergio Romero was the busier of the two keepers. But Unai Emery's side were rocked in the 31st minute when Lukaku's superb reverse pass put Sanchez in and he calmly rounded keeper Petr Cech before clipping in from a tight angle. Two minutes later an Arsenal attack broke down, Luke Shaw set Lukaku away down the right and the Belgian rolled the ball across for the unmarked Lingard to sidefoot past Cech. Arsenal got a lifeline just before the break when the excellent Aaron Ramsey's cut-back saw Alexandre Lacazette make a hash of his attempt but the ball arrived at the feet of Aubameyang who could not miss. A hectic finish to an absorbing first half ended with Shkodran Mustafi heading just wide and straight after the interval Romero's reflex save stopped a Koscielny header. Koscielny's involvement came to an abrupt end when the Arsenal skipper was accidentally caught in the face by Lukaku's trailing leg -- the Frenchman receiving lengthy treatment before groggily going off to be replaced by Matteo Guendouzi. Out-of-favour Mesut Ozil also came off the bench, replacing Alex Iwobi, but Arsenal's hopes of rescuing the tie were over when Paul Pogba surged clear and his shot was parried by Cech into the path of Martial who sent the United fans wild. In the night's other fourth-round clash Bristol City beat Bolton Wanderers 2-1.

FA Cup: Manchester United maintain perfect record under Solskjaer as they beat Arsenal 3-1

Jose Mourinho was given a stay of execution as Manchester United staged a stirring fightback to beat Newcastle 3-2 thanks to Alexis Sanchez's last-gasp winner, while Tottenham recovered from their European misery with a narrow victory over Cardiff on Saturday.

Mourinho had presided over United's worst seven-game start to a season for 29 years amid the breakdown of his relationship with star midfielder Paul Pogba and several other key players.

A report on Friday evening claimed United's hierarchy had lost patience with the toxic atmosphere and would sack Mourinho regardless of the Newcastle result.

But senior United sources strongly denied the suggestion Mourinho would be dismissed this weekend, insisting he retains the board's support following a series of abysmal results.

Despite that vote of confidence, it was looking increasingly bleak for Mourinho when winless Newcastle raced into a two-goal in the first 10 minutes at Old Trafford.

But United clicked into gear and Chile forward Sanchez, who had been dropped by Mourinho, came off the bench to bag the winner after goals from Juan Mata and Anthony Martial dragged the hosts level.

United's first win in five games in all competitions could buy Mourinho some much-needed breathing space heading into the international break.

"I am 55 years old. It is the first time I see man-hunting. There is too much wickedness in something that should be beautiful," Mourinho said of his critics.

"I can cope with it. Some of the boys, in spite of them not being the man that is hunted, they are not coping well with it.

"Every ball around our box was almost a goal or some mistake, a bad decision, panic.&nbsp;

"At half-time we spoke and the team faced the second half with a different spirit, a different belief, giving everything for the victory."

Asked if the speculation would stop, Mourinho added: "No. I go to London now and if it rains tomorrow in London then it is my fault."

United fell behind in the seventh minute when Kenedy parted Mourinho's defence with alarming ease, running onto Ayoze Perez's pass and turning away from Ashley Young before firing home as the Portuguese gestured furiously on the touchline.

There was worse to come for Mourinho three minutes later as Newcastle punished more shambolic defending, Young and his team-mates failing to get in a challenge as Japanese forward Yoshinori Muto scored on his first Premier League start.

Jeers rang around Old Trafford at half-time and Mourinho, looking increasingly desperate, made his second change at the interval with Marouane Fellaini sent on for Scott McTominay.

United finally responded to Mourinho in the second half, playing with far more passion as Mata reduced the deficit with a fine 70th-minute free-kick before Martial fired the equaliser six minutes later.

That set the stage for Sanchez to apply the finishing touch in the 90th minute as Mourinho celebrated while his name was sung by relieved United fans at full-time.

Spurs move third

At Wembley, Tottenham recovered from Wednesday's damaging 4-2 Champions League loss to Barcelona.

Lionel Messi had tormented Tottenham with a mesmerising display, capped by two goals, that left the north Londoners in danger of missing the knockout stage.

But Mauricio Pochettino's side made amends with a 1-0 win against Cardiff to move into third place in the table.

Cardiff boss Neil Warnock joked he would play 10 defenders in a bid to stifle Tottenham and he might have regretted not doing exactly that as the hosts went in front after eight minutes.

Davinson Sanchez saw his header blocked by Joe Bennett and the ball span into the path of Eric Dier, who swept home from close-range for his first club goal since April 2017.

Cardiff were reduced to 10 men when Joe Ralls was sent off for chopping down Lucas Moura in the 58th minute, with Warnock incensed after Tottenham's players, including England captain Harry Kane, surrounded the referee to demand a red card.

"I don't think it helped being surrounded by 15 white shirts. I don't think he (Kane) needs to do that," Warnock moaned.

"After Barcelona on Wednesday, the most important thing was to win," Pochettino said.

"It was a clear red card from my point of view. Neil Warnock can complain but it is not my business."

Elsewhere, Wolves won 1-0 at Crystal Palace, Everton beat Leicester 2-1, Bournemouth routed Watford 4-0 and Burnley drew 1-1 with Huddersfield.

Jose Mourinho was given a stay of execution as Manchester United staged a stirring fightback to beat Newcastle 3-2 thanks to Alexis Sanchez's last-gasp winner, while Tottenham recovered from their European misery with a narrow victory over Cardiff on Saturday.

Jose Mourinho was given a stay of execution as Manchester United staged a stirring fightback to beat Newcastle 3-2 thanks to Alexis Sanchez's last-gasp winner, while Tottenham recovered from their European misery with a narrow victory over Cardiff on Saturday. Mourinho had presided over United's worst seven-game start to a season for 29 years amid the breakdown of his relationship with star midfielder Paul Pogba and several other key players. A report on Friday evening claimed United's hierarchy had lost patience with the toxic atmosphere and would sack Mourinho regardless of the Newcastle result. But senior United sources strongly denied the suggestion Mourinho would be dismissed this weekend, insisting he retains the board's support following a series of abysmal results. Despite that vote of confidence, it was looking increasingly bleak for Mourinho when winless Newcastle raced into a two-goal in the first 10 minutes at Old Trafford. But United clicked into gear and Chile forward Sanchez, who had been dropped by Mourinho, came off the bench to bag the winner after goals from Juan Mata and Anthony Martial dragged the hosts level. United's first win in five games in all competitions could buy Mourinho some much-needed breathing space heading into the international break. "I am 55 years old. It is the first time I see man-hunting. There is too much wickedness in something that should be beautiful," Mourinho said of his critics. "I can cope with it. Some of the boys, in spite of them not being the man that is hunted, they are not coping well with it. "Every ball around our box was almost a goal or some mistake, a bad decision, panic. "At half-time we spoke and the team faced the second half with a different spirit, a different belief, giving everything for the victory." Asked if the speculation would stop, Mourinho added: "No. I go to London now and if it rains tomorrow in London then it is my fault." United fell behind in the seventh minute when Kenedy parted Mourinho's defence with alarming ease, running onto Ayoze Perez's pass and turning away from Ashley Young before firing home as the Portuguese gestured furiously on the touchline. There was worse to come for Mourinho three minutes later as Newcastle punished more shambolic defending, Young and his team-mates failing to get in a challenge as Japanese forward Yoshinori Muto scored on his first Premier League start. Jeers rang around Old Trafford at half-time and Mourinho, looking increasingly desperate, made his second change at the interval with Marouane Fellaini sent on for Scott McTominay. United finally responded to Mourinho in the second half, playing with far more passion as Mata reduced the deficit with a fine 70th-minute free-kick before Martial fired the equaliser six minutes later. That set the stage for Sanchez to apply the finishing touch in the 90th minute as Mourinho celebrated while his name was sung by relieved United fans at full-time. Spurs move third At Wembley, Tottenham recovered from Wednesday's damaging 4-2 Champions League loss to Barcelona. Lionel Messi had tormented Tottenham with a mesmerising display, capped by two goals, that left the north Londoners in danger of missing the knockout stage. But Mauricio Pochettino's side made amends with a 1-0 win against Cardiff to move into third place in the table. Cardiff boss Neil Warnock joked he would play 10 defenders in a bid to stifle Tottenham and he might have regretted not doing exactly that as the hosts went in front after eight minutes. Davinson Sanchez saw his header blocked by Joe Bennett and the ball span into the path of Eric Dier, who swept home from close-range for his first club goal since April 2017. Cardiff were reduced to 10 men when Joe Ralls was sent off for chopping down Lucas Moura in the 58th minute, with Warnock incensed after Tottenham's players, including England captain Harry Kane, surrounded the referee to demand a red card. "I don't think it helped being surrounded by 15 white shirts. I don't think he (Kane) needs to do that," Warnock moaned. "After Barcelona on Wednesday, the most important thing was to win," Pochettino said. "It was a clear red card from my point of view. Neil Warnock can complain but it is not my business." Elsewhere, Wolves won 1-0 at Crystal Palace, Everton beat Leicester 2-1, Bournemouth routed Watford 4-0 and Burnley drew 1-1 with Huddersfield.

EPL: United fightback spares 'manhunted' Mourinho, Dier fires Spurs to victory

Manchester United inflicted yet more FA Cup semi-final misery on Tottenham Hotspur as Alexis Sanchez helped inspire a comeback 2-1 victory at a packed Wembley Stadium on Saturday.

Tottenham, playing on the ground which has been their temporary home all season, got off to a dream start when Dele Alli scored from close range but Sanchez maintained his superb record at Wembley with a headed equaliser.

A tight game was settled just past the hour mark when Ander Herrera fired United in front.

While United, who will play in their 20th FA Cup final, can look forward to the prospect of finishing the season with some silverware, Tottenham must pick themselves up after an eighth successive semi-final loss in the competition.

Standing between United and a record-equalling 13th FA Cup triumph will be Chelsea or Southampton, who play on Sunday.

"We deserve it. If we split the match into periods we were the best team for many of these periods," United manager Jose Mourinho, bidding for a third trophy for United since taking over from Louis van Gaal in 2016, said.

"We lost control after the 1-0. At halftime we spoke -- we came back late for the second half because we spoke a lot -- and organised ourselves."

Sanchez, who has struggled to hit the heights since joining United from Tottenham`s arch-rivals Arsenal in January, finds Wembley an inspiring backdrop and took his goal tally there for club and country to eight with a tireless display.

Yet it was Tottenham, looking for a first trophy for 10 years and something tangible to show for all the exciting progress made under manager Mauricio Pochettino, who dominated early on.

The white end of Wembley erupted after 10 minutes when a sweeping move ended with Alli putting Spurs in front.

Central defender Davinson Sanchez, who kept the experienced Toby Alderweireld on the bench, curled a pass down the line to Christian Eriksen and the Danish playmaker`s precise cross was stabbed home by Alli at the back post.

United were rocking as Eriksen fired wide from another slick Spurs move while Harry Kane just failed to connect with Son Heung-min`s teasing cross.

Crucial Intervention

Alli was also denied a second as Phil Jones made a crucial intervention while at the other end Romelu Lukaku headed over after a rare United foray forward.

United, however, weathered the storm and were level after 24 minutes. Mousa Dembele was out-muscled by Paul Pogba out wide and the Frenchman`s cross was headed expertly past Michel Vorm by Sanchez -- one of the smallest players on the pitch.

Tottenham were the width of the post away from re-taking the lead on the stroke of halftime when Eric Dier`s daisy-cutter flicked off Chris Smalling`s shin and on to the upright.

Tottenham`s superior possession lacked conviction in the opening stages of the second half and there was a sense that Mourinho`s United were in game-management mode.

They struck in the 62nd minute with Sanchez this time cutting a pass across the area which fell to Herrera who steadied himself before firing a shot through the legs of Ben Davies and past a slow-to-react Vorm.

With United`s fans in full voice and a sea of red at Wembley`s west end, Spurs barely threatened David de Gea`s goal in the closing stages as their 10-year trophy drought continued.

United could even have added to their lead with Pogba forcing a smart save from Vorm.

Pochettino has now suffered a League Cup final defeat and successive FA Cup semi-final losses with Tottenham.

"We are disappointed because we are so close," he said.

"We need to think, move on, finish the season and try to finish in the top four."

Manchester United inflicted yet more FA Cup semi-final misery on Tottenham Hotspur as Alexis Sanchez helped inspire a comeback 2-1 victory

Manchester United inflicted yet more FA Cup semi-final misery on Tottenham Hotspur as Alexis Sanchez helped inspire a comeback 2-1 victory at a packed Wembley Stadium on Saturday. Tottenham, playing on the ground which has been their temporary home all season, got off to a dream start when Dele Alli scored from close range but Sanchez maintained his superb record at Wembley with a headed equaliser. A tight game was settled just past the hour mark when Ander Herrera fired United in front. While United, who will play in their 20th FA Cup final, can look forward to the prospect of finishing the season with some silverware, Tottenham must pick themselves up after an eighth successive semi-final loss in the competition. Standing between United and a record-equalling 13th FA Cup triumph will be Chelsea or Southampton, who play on Sunday. "We deserve it. If we split the match into periods we were the best team for many of these periods," United manager Jose Mourinho, bidding for a third trophy for United since taking over from Louis van Gaal in 2016, said. "We lost control after the 1-0. At halftime we spoke -- we came back late for the second half because we spoke a lot -- and organised ourselves." Sanchez, who has struggled to hit the heights since joining United from Tottenham`s arch-rivals Arsenal in January, finds Wembley an inspiring backdrop and took his goal tally there for club and country to eight with a tireless display. Yet it was Tottenham, looking for a first trophy for 10 years and something tangible to show for all the exciting progress made under manager Mauricio Pochettino, who dominated early on. The white end of Wembley erupted after 10 minutes when a sweeping move ended with Alli putting Spurs in front. Central defender Davinson Sanchez, who kept the experienced Toby Alderweireld on the bench, curled a pass down the line to Christian Eriksen and the Danish playmaker`s precise cross was stabbed home by Alli at the back post. United were rocking as Eriksen fired wide from another slick Spurs move while Harry Kane just failed to connect with Son Heung-min`s teasing cross. Crucial Intervention Alli was also denied a second as Phil Jones made a crucial intervention while at the other end Romelu Lukaku headed over after a rare United foray forward. United, however, weathered the storm and were level after 24 minutes. Mousa Dembele was out-muscled by Paul Pogba out wide and the Frenchman`s cross was headed expertly past Michel Vorm by Sanchez -- one of the smallest players on the pitch. Tottenham were the width of the post away from re-taking the lead on the stroke of halftime when Eric Dier`s daisy-cutter flicked off Chris Smalling`s shin and on to the upright. Tottenham`s superior possession lacked conviction in the opening stages of the second half and there was a sense that Mourinho`s United were in game-management mode. They struck in the 62nd minute with Sanchez this time cutting a pass across the area which fell to Herrera who steadied himself before firing a shot through the legs of Ben Davies and past a slow-to-react Vorm. With United`s fans in full voice and a sea of red at Wembley`s west end, Spurs barely threatened David de Gea`s goal in the closing stages as their 10-year trophy drought continued. United could even have added to their lead with Pogba forcing a smart save from Vorm. Pochettino has now suffered a League Cup final defeat and successive FA Cup semi-final losses with Tottenham. "We are disappointed because we are so close," he said. "We need to think, move on, finish the season and try to finish in the top four."

Manchester United outplay Spurs to enter finals of FA Cup

Alexis Sanchez says he expected a lot more from himself since moving to Manchester United from Premier League rivals Arsenal in January.

The Chile international, who has scored just once in 10 appearances for United, said he has high expectations for himself and that he has struggled to adapt after the &quot;abrupt&quot; January transfer window move.

&quot;Because I demand a lot from myself, I was hoping for something better,&quot; Sanchez told reporters while on national duty in Sweden. &quot;After my arrival at United, it was hard to change everything very quickly...

&quot;The change of club was something that was very abrupt -- it was the first time I&#39;ve changed clubs in January -- but many things have happened in my life that are difficult.&quot;

The 29-year-old says he considered withdrawing from the national team squad for upcoming friendlies to stay at United and work on his game but a conversation with Chile captain Claudio Bravo changed his mind.

&quot;I had asked permission to miss these games, but then I thought better and spoke with Claudio and told him that we should all be united,&quot; Sanchez added.

Chile, who failed to qualify for this year&#39;s World Cup finals in Russia, play friendlies against Sweden on Saturday and Denmark three days later.

The Chile international, who has scored just once in 10 appearances for United, said he has high expectations for himself and that he has struggled to adapt after the "abrupt" January transfer window move.

Alexis Sanchez says he expected a lot more from himself since moving to Manchester United from Premier League rivals Arsenal in January. The Chile international, who has scored just once in 10 appearances for United, said he has high expectations for himself and that he has struggled to adapt after the "abrupt" January transfer window move. "Because I demand a lot from myself, I was hoping for something better," Sanchez told reporters while on national duty in Sweden. "After my arrival at United, it was hard to change everything very quickly... "The change of club was something that was very abrupt -- it was the first time I've changed clubs in January -- but many things have happened in my life that are difficult." The 29-year-old says he considered withdrawing from the national team squad for upcoming friendlies to stay at United and work on his game but a conversation with Chile captain Claudio Bravo changed his mind. "I had asked permission to miss these games, but then I thought better and spoke with Claudio and told him that we should all be united," Sanchez added. Chile, who failed to qualify for this year's World Cup finals in Russia, play friendlies against Sweden on Saturday and Denmark three days later.

Football: Sanchez expected more from himself after Man United move

Jose Mourinho admits he has not got the best out of Alexis Sanchez since his January transfer because the former Arsenal forward moved to Manchester United at the &quot;wrong&quot; time.

Sanchez was signed in a swap deal that reportedly made him the Premier League&#39;s best-paid player but the Chile international has scored just one goal in eight United appearances, well below his career strike rate.

Mourinho, whose team take on Liverpool at Old Trafford on Saturday, believes it will be next season before the 29-year-old shows his best form.

&quot;What is wrong is that he came at the worst moment of the season, in the winter market,&quot; said the Manchester United boss. &quot;That&#39;s why I don&#39;t like the winter market very much.

&quot;I think this was a chance that we didn&#39;t want to lose and we made. But we don&#39;t believe a lot in the winter market.

&quot;And for sure next season will be better for him. But of course he is learning how to play with us and we are learning how to get the best out of him.&quot;

Pundits have suggested integrating Sanchez in mid-season has had an adverse effect on the form of teammates, in particular midfielder Paul Pogba.

But despite the obvious teething problems, Mourinho does not see Sanchez as a weakness in the United team.

&quot;No. That&#39;s something that we can develop and we&#39;re going to develop with time, with experience and living these experiences together,&quot; said the manager.&nbsp;

&quot;I don&#39;t consider that a weakness, I consider that a huge potential to be developed.

&quot;He&#39;s fit and if he is trying too hard, that&#39;s great. He is not afraid to take responsibilities, not afraid to try things.&quot;

Sanchez&#39;s eight appearances have included two defeats, at Tottenham and Newcastle, which all but ended United&#39;s lingering hopes of challenging Manchester City for the Premier League title.

Sanchez happy

But despite an underwhelming start to Sanchez&#39;s United career, Mourinho said the player remains happy.

&quot;He&#39;s fine,&quot; said the United boss. &quot;He&#39;s happy that the team is getting results -- lately he was unhappy when we lost matches with him but he&#39;s a guy with great maturity and attitude and we couldn&#39;t be happier.&quot;

United&#39;s eagerly awaited league encounter with rivals Liverpool comes with both clubs chasing second spot behind champions-elect City.

And, at the start of a week in which Mourinho is also looking to progress in the Champions League and FA Cup, the United manager believes he and opposite number Jurgen Klopp are at similar stages in terms of developing their clubs.

&quot;They have qualities and they have weaknesses,&quot; he said. &quot;We have qualities, and we have weaknesses.

&quot;And one of my good qualities as coach was always to know my team&#39;s weaknesses very well and sometimes I tried to hide them and sometimes I have to try to compensate them with other things.

&quot;But we are very similar in terms of points in the Premier League. Liverpool have already qualified for the (Champions League) quarter-final and we still have 90 minutes or two hours of a big fight to try to be there.&quot;

Mourinho, whose team take on Liverpool at Old Trafford on Saturday, believes it will be next season before the 29-year-old shows his best form

Jose Mourinho admits he has not got the best out of Alexis Sanchez since his January transfer because the former Arsenal forward moved to Manchester United at the "wrong" time. Sanchez was signed in a swap deal that reportedly made him the Premier League's best-paid player but the Chile international has scored just one goal in eight United appearances, well below his career strike rate. Mourinho, whose team take on Liverpool at Old Trafford on Saturday, believes it will be next season before the 29-year-old shows his best form. "What is wrong is that he came at the worst moment of the season, in the winter market," said the Manchester United boss. "That's why I don't like the winter market very much. "I think this was a chance that we didn't want to lose and we made. But we don't believe a lot in the winter market. "And for sure next season will be better for him. But of course he is learning how to play with us and we are learning how to get the best out of him." Pundits have suggested integrating Sanchez in mid-season has had an adverse effect on the form of teammates, in particular midfielder Paul Pogba. But despite the obvious teething problems, Mourinho does not see Sanchez as a weakness in the United team. "No. That's something that we can develop and we're going to develop with time, with experience and living these experiences together," said the manager. "I don't consider that a weakness, I consider that a huge potential to be developed. "He's fit and if he is trying too hard, that's great. He is not afraid to take responsibilities, not afraid to try things." Sanchez's eight appearances have included two defeats, at Tottenham and Newcastle, which all but ended United's lingering hopes of challenging Manchester City for the Premier League title. Sanchez happy But despite an underwhelming start to Sanchez's United career, Mourinho said the player remains happy. "He's fine," said the United boss. "He's happy that the team is getting results -- lately he was unhappy when we lost matches with him but he's a guy with great maturity and attitude and we couldn't be happier." United's eagerly awaited league encounter with rivals Liverpool comes with both clubs chasing second spot behind champions-elect City. And, at the start of a week in which Mourinho is also looking to progress in the Champions League and FA Cup, the United manager believes he and opposite number Jurgen Klopp are at similar stages in terms of developing their clubs. "They have qualities and they have weaknesses," he said. "We have qualities, and we have weaknesses. "And one of my good qualities as coach was always to know my team's weaknesses very well and sometimes I tried to hide them and sometimes I have to try to compensate them with other things. "But we are very similar in terms of points in the Premier League. Liverpool have already qualified for the (Champions League) quarter-final and we still have 90 minutes or two hours of a big fight to try to be there."

Sanchez transferred to Manchester United at 'wrong' time: Jose Mourinho

Alexis Sanchez said Monday he was &quot;thrilled to be joining the biggest club in the world&quot; as he moved to Manchester United from Arsenal in a swap deal with Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

The 29-year-old Chile striker, who came close to joining Manchester City last summer, has signed what is believed to be a four-and-a-half-year contract that will make him the highest-paid player in the Premier League.

It has been widely reported that Sanchez will earn a pre-tax salary of &pound;500,000 ($695,000, 567,000 euros) a week.

Armenia international winger Mkhitaryan, also 29, will head to the Emirates after he fell out of favour with United manager Jose Mourinho during 18 months at Old Trafford.

Sanchez joined Arsenal for &pound;31.7 million in 2014 after three years at Barcelona but his relationship with the Gunners soured after he tried to orchestrate a move to City last year.

Hit back at criticism

In an Instagram post, he took a parting shot at ex-Arsenal players who have criticised his attitude.

&quot;There are people (former club players) who have spoken with no knowledge of what happens inside the club and cause damage,&quot; Sanchez wrote.

&quot;I must say I always gave 100%, until the last day, when I asked the Mister (Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger) to be in the team because I wanted to be a contribution.&quot;

Last week, former Arsenal defender Martin Keown called Sanchez &quot;football&#39;s biggest mercenary&quot;.

In a statement issued by United, Sanchez said he had spent &quot;three-and-a-half wonderful years&quot; at Arsenal &quot;and I bring with me very positive memories of that great club and its fans&quot;.

Referring to Old Trafford, he said: &quot;The chance to play in this historic stadium and to work with Jose Mourinho was something I could not turn down.

&quot;I am very proud to be the first Chilean player ever to play for United&#39;s first team and I hope I can show our fans all around the world why the club wanted to bring me here.&quot;

&#39;One of world&#39;s best&#39;

United will be hoping their substantial investment helps close the gap on their Emirati-backed cross-city rivals Manchester City, who are streaking away with the Premier League title this season.&nbsp;

Sanchez will partner Romelu Lukaku in the United forward line, with England strikers Marcus Rashford, 20, and the in-form Jesse Lingard, 25, forced to fight for their places.

Mourinho said: &quot;Alexis is one of the best-attacking players in the world and he will complete our very young and talented group of attacking players.&quot;

Sanchez spent three years at Barcelona, winning La Liga in 2013. At Arsenal, he twice lifted the FA Cup, but did not come close to a Premier League title and his frustration has been evident this season amid reports of rows with teammates.

He has played 119 times for Chile and helped his nation win back-to-back Copa America titles in 2015 and 2016, although they failed to qualify for next year&#39;s World Cup in Russia.

His move to United was celebrated in his homeland, where fans on social media lauded the Red Devils&#39; &quot;winning&quot; mentality, in contrast to the paucity of recent success at Arsenal.

&quot;The golden destiny of Alexis,&quot; said daily newspaper La Tercera.

Mkhitaryan joined United for around &pound;30 million in 2016 after three years at Borussia Dortmund.

The highlight of his stay in Manchester was scoring in the Europa League final victory over Ajax last season and he also helped United win the League Cup.

&quot;I would like to wish Henrikh all the success and happiness that I am sure he is going to get. He is a player that we will not forget, especially for his contribution to our Europa League victory,&quot; added Mourinho.

Mkhitaryan told the Arsenal website he had &quot;always dreamed of playing for Arsenal&quot;.

&quot;Now that I&#39;m here, I&#39;ll do my best for this club to create history,&quot; he said.

Arsenal boss Wenger said he was happy to acquire Mkhitaryan in the deal.

&quot;Henrikh is a complete player. He creates chances, he defends well, he can absorb distances and he&#39;s very committed as well.

&quot;I must say he&#39;s a player who has all the attributes.&quot;

The Sanchez-Mkhitaryan deal is the latest move of a January transfer window during which Liverpool sold Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona for 160 million euros and signed central defender Virgil Van Dijk from Southampton for &pound;75 million (85.5 million euros).

Reports in Germany say striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could be on his way to Arsenal from Borussia Dortmund.

 
&nbsp;

Alexis Sanchez signs for Man Utd, Henrikh Mkhitaryan joins Arsenal

Alexis Sanchez said Monday he was "thrilled to be joining the biggest club in the world" as he moved to Manchester United from Arsenal in a swap deal with Henrikh Mkhitaryan. The 29-year-old Chile striker, who came close to joining Manchester City last summer, has signed what is believed to be a four-and-a-half-year contract that will make him the highest-paid player in the Premier League. It has been widely reported that Sanchez will earn a pre-tax salary of £500,000 ($695,000, 567,000 euros) a week. Armenia international winger Mkhitaryan, also 29, will head to the Emirates after he fell out of favour with United manager Jose Mourinho during 18 months at Old Trafford. Sanchez joined Arsenal for £31.7 million in 2014 after three years at Barcelona but his relationship with the Gunners soured after he tried to orchestrate a move to City last year. Hit back at criticism In an Instagram post, he took a parting shot at ex-Arsenal players who have criticised his attitude. "There are people (former club players) who have spoken with no knowledge of what happens inside the club and cause damage," Sanchez wrote. "I must say I always gave 100%, until the last day, when I asked the Mister (Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger) to be in the team because I wanted to be a contribution." Last week, former Arsenal defender Martin Keown called Sanchez "football's biggest mercenary". In a statement issued by United, Sanchez said he had spent "three-and-a-half wonderful years" at Arsenal "and I bring with me very positive memories of that great club and its fans". Referring to Old Trafford, he said: "The chance to play in this historic stadium and to work with Jose Mourinho was something I could not turn down. "I am very proud to be the first Chilean player ever to play for United's first team and I hope I can show our fans all around the world why the club wanted to bring me here." 'One of world's best' United will be hoping their substantial investment helps close the gap on their Emirati-backed cross-city rivals Manchester City, who are streaking away with the Premier League title this season. Sanchez will partner Romelu Lukaku in the United forward line, with England strikers Marcus Rashford, 20, and the in-form Jesse Lingard, 25, forced to fight for their places. Mourinho said: "Alexis is one of the best-attacking players in the world and he will complete our very young and talented group of attacking players." Sanchez spent three years at Barcelona, winning La Liga in 2013. At Arsenal, he twice lifted the FA Cup, but did not come close to a Premier League title and his frustration has been evident this season amid reports of rows with teammates. He has played 119 times for Chile and helped his nation win back-to-back Copa America titles in 2015 and 2016, although they failed to qualify for next year's World Cup in Russia. His move to United was celebrated in his homeland, where fans on social media lauded the Red Devils' "winning" mentality, in contrast to the paucity of recent success at Arsenal. "The golden destiny of Alexis," said daily newspaper La Tercera. Mkhitaryan joined United for around £30 million in 2016 after three years at Borussia Dortmund. The highlight of his stay in Manchester was scoring in the Europa League final victory over Ajax last season and he also helped United win the League Cup. "I would like to wish Henrikh all the success and happiness that I am sure he is going to get. He is a player that we will not forget, especially for his contribution to our Europa League victory," added Mourinho. Mkhitaryan told the Arsenal website he had "always dreamed of playing for Arsenal". "Now that I'm here, I'll do my best for this club to create history," he said. Arsenal boss Wenger said he was happy to acquire Mkhitaryan in the deal. "Henrikh is a complete player. He creates chances, he defends well, he can absorb distances and he's very committed as well. "I must say he's a player who has all the attributes." The Sanchez-Mkhitaryan deal is the latest move of a January transfer window during which Liverpool sold Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona for 160 million euros and signed central defender Virgil Van Dijk from Southampton for £75 million (85.5 million euros). Reports in Germany say striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could be on his way to Arsenal from Borussia Dortmund.

Finally, the Sanchez-Mkhitaryan deal done

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-hosts-ceo-roundtable-meeting-at-davos-says-india-means-business-30413">PM Modi hosts CEO roundtable meet at Davos, says &#39;India means business&#39;</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today told top CEOs here that India means business and presents exciting opportunity for the global businesses.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/congress-votes-to-end-us-shutdown-trump-claims-victory-30415" target="_blank">Congress votes to end US shutdown, Trump claims victory</a>

Congress put the US government back in business Monday by voting to end a three-day shutdown, as President Donald Trump claimed victory in his standoff with Democrats in Washington.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/shah-rukh-khan-at-davos-receives-an-award-spoke-against-sexism-30406">We the powerful need to get out of the way to pick barriers apart: Shah Rukh Khan at Davos</a>

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan attended a celebrity event before the official start of the World Economic Forum&#39;s annual event at Davos on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The 52-year-old actor spoke against discrimination against women and sexism.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/entertainment-metoo-us-supreme-court-justice-says-she-was-sexually-harassed-30414">#MeToo: US Supreme Court Justice says she was sexually harassed</a>

The US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg shocked the world by sharing her own sexual harassment story at the Sundance Film Festival this weekend.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/social-media-is-threat-to-democracy-facebook-30427">Social media a threat to democracy: Facebook</a>

Facebook&#39;s civic engagement chief Samidh Chakrabarti recently identified social media as a &#39;potential threat&#39;. In a blog post, Chakrabarti noted that he was &quot;not blind to the damage that the internet can do to even a well-functioning democracy.&quot;

PM Modi hosts CEO roundtable meet at Davos, says 'India means business' Prime Minister Narendra Modi today told top CEOs here that India means business and presents exciting opportunity for the global businesses. Congress votes to end US shutdown, Trump claims victory Congress put the US government back in business Monday by voting to end a three-day shutdown, as President Donald Trump claimed victory in his standoff with Democrats in Washington. We the powerful need to get out of the way to pick barriers apart: Shah Rukh Khan at Davos Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan attended a celebrity event before the official start of the World Economic Forum's annual event at Davos on Tuesday. The 52-year-old actor spoke against discrimination against women and sexism. #MeToo: US Supreme Court Justice says she was sexually harassed The US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg shocked the world by sharing her own sexual harassment story at the Sundance Film Festival this weekend. Social media a threat to democracy: Facebook Facebook's civic engagement chief Samidh Chakrabarti recently identified social media as a 'potential threat'. In a blog post, Chakrabarti noted that he was "not blind to the damage that the internet can do to even a well-functioning democracy."

WION Morning News Brief, January 23, 2018

Manchester United forward Alexis Sanchez pleaded guilty to two counts of tax fraud dating from when he played for Spanish team Barcelona and accepted a 16-month suspended jail sentence, his agent Fernando Felicevich said on Wednesday.

In a statement issued by the Barcelona prosecutor and seen by Reuters, Sanchez was accused of defrauding the Spanish state of a combined 983,000 euros ($1.2 million) in image rights in 2012 and 2013 by using a shell company in Malta and omitting the earnings from tax returns.

The Chilean was given a suspended sentence of eight months for each of those years and fines of 353,000 euros and 237,000 euros respectively.

Spanish law is such that any sentence under two years for a non-violent crime rarely requires a defendant without previous convictions to serve jail time.

Sanchez posted on social media a statement from Felicevich which criticised Spain&#39;s authorities for changing their criteria on tax returns and using the media to publicly shame players.

&quot;Despite proving Alexis did not commit any crime, we felt obliged, on the recommendation of our advisers, to accept the unfair pact offered to us to alleviate the emotional, personal and financial stress that comes from dealing with long and tedious court cases...&quot; the statement said.

&quot;Seeing the huge ordeals that Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi etc have been put through, we came to the conclusion that it was best to accept this unfair deal so that we can move on and stop being the object of media and political pressure.&quot;

A spokesperson for Spain&#39;s tax agency said it could not comment on individual cases but that it uses the same criteria and measures for each taxpayer.

Sanchez, who joined United last month from Arsenal, is the latest in a long line of La Liga players past and present, including Ronaldo, Messi, Marcelo, Pepe and Javier Mascherano to face judicial process for allegedly defrauding the Spanish state.

Sanchez moved to Barcelona from Italian side Udinese in 2011 and joined Arsenal three years later.

Sanchez posted on social media a statement from Felicevich which criticised Spain's authorities for changing their criteria on tax returns and using the media to publicly shame players.

Manchester United forward Alexis Sanchez pleaded guilty to two counts of tax fraud dating from when he played for Spanish team Barcelona and accepted a 16-month suspended jail sentence, his agent Fernando Felicevich said on Wednesday. In a statement issued by the Barcelona prosecutor and seen by Reuters, Sanchez was accused of defrauding the Spanish state of a combined 983,000 euros ($1.2 million) in image rights in 2012 and 2013 by using a shell company in Malta and omitting the earnings from tax returns. The Chilean was given a suspended sentence of eight months for each of those years and fines of 353,000 euros and 237,000 euros respectively. Spanish law is such that any sentence under two years for a non-violent crime rarely requires a defendant without previous convictions to serve jail time. Sanchez posted on social media a statement from Felicevich which criticised Spain's authorities for changing their criteria on tax returns and using the media to publicly shame players. "Despite proving Alexis did not commit any crime, we felt obliged, on the recommendation of our advisers, to accept the unfair pact offered to us to alleviate the emotional, personal and financial stress that comes from dealing with long and tedious court cases..." the statement said. "Seeing the huge ordeals that Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi etc have been put through, we came to the conclusion that it was best to accept this unfair deal so that we can move on and stop being the object of media and political pressure." A spokesperson for Spain's tax agency said it could not comment on individual cases but that it uses the same criteria and measures for each taxpayer. Sanchez, who joined United last month from Arsenal, is the latest in a long line of La Liga players past and present, including Ronaldo, Messi, Marcelo, Pepe and Javier Mascherano to face judicial process for allegedly defrauding the Spanish state. Sanchez moved to Barcelona from Italian side Udinese in 2011 and joined Arsenal three years later.

Football: Sanchez accepts deal to avoid prison over tax fraud

Alexis Sanchez scored twice in four second half minutes to give Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger victory on the night he equalled Alex Ferguson&#39;s Premier League record of matches in charge with a 3-2 win over Crystal Palace.

Sanchez&#39;s brace yesterday - the second a beauty from Jack Wilshere&#39;s superb pass - added to Shkodran Mustafi&#39;s first ever away goal for the Gunners was just enough to get them past the Eagles in Wenger&#39;s 810th Premier League game as a manager.

James Tomkins&#39;s 89th minute header - Andros Townsend had drawn them level at 1-1 early in the second-half before Sanchez&#39;s scoring burst - ensured a nervy finish, but the Gunners deserved to run out winners and end Palace&#39;s eight- game unbeaten run.

Arsenal drew level with fourth-placed north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur but with a worse goal difference whilst Palace remain firmly embroiled in a battle against relegation just a point above the bottom three.

Palace were able to apply some pressure during the opening stages, the closest they came to testing Petr Cech came when Yohan Cabaye shot narrowly wide from 20 yards out.

Wenger&#39;s side gradually took charge and they forced the breakthrough in the 24th minute when Palace&#39;s failure to clear Mesut Ozil&#39;s free-kick eventually led to Mustafi&#39;s opening goal.

The ball was played back towards the right side of the area where Alexandre Lacazette drew a good save from Julian Speroni only for the ball to fall to Mustafi who finished neatly with a first time shot.

Six minutes later, Arsenal would have been two up but for Speroni who produced an excellent, one-handed reaction save after Ozil had latched onto Sanchez&#39;s superbly weighted through ball.

Wilfried Zaha was Palace&#39;s most threatening player throughout the first half with the Ivorian maintaining the form that has seen him linked with a number of top clubs this season.

It also made the winger a target for some robust treatment with Callum Chambers booked for pulling him back.

Zaha made the point he believed he deserved more protection too vigorously to referee Michael Oliver as they left the pitch at half time and could have been sent off after sarcastically reacting to the match official&#39;s decision to show him a yellow card.

Zaha though reacted in a more positive way after the restart as he eased his way past Chambers before pulling the ball back towards Townsend who struck a first time shot past Cech from near the penalty spot.

At that point Palace were in the ascendancy but Sanchez&#39;s quick double soon killed off the home side&#39;s hopes.

The first came after Chambers played a deep ball into the home penalty area that was controlled by Sanchez before the Chile international exchanged passes with Lacazette and drilled the ball past Speroni.

Then four minutes later, the forward had his second after collecting Wilshere&#39;s long ball over the top with his first touch and finishing with his second. 
Tomkins late header from a corner came too late for the home side.

Sanchez's brace yesterday - the second a beauty from Jack Wilshere's superb pass - added to Shkodran Mustafi's first ever away goal for the Gunners was just enough to get them past the Eagles in Wenger's 810th Premier League game as a manager.

Alexis Sanchez scored twice in four second half minutes to give Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger victory on the night he equalled Alex Ferguson's Premier League record of matches in charge with a 3-2 win over Crystal Palace. Sanchez's brace yesterday - the second a beauty from Jack Wilshere's superb pass - added to Shkodran Mustafi's first ever away goal for the Gunners was just enough to get them past the Eagles in Wenger's 810th Premier League game as a manager. James Tomkins's 89th minute header - Andros Townsend had drawn them level at 1-1 early in the second-half before Sanchez's scoring burst - ensured a nervy finish, but the Gunners deserved to run out winners and end Palace's eight- game unbeaten run. Arsenal drew level with fourth-placed north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur but with a worse goal difference whilst Palace remain firmly embroiled in a battle against relegation just a point above the bottom three. Palace were able to apply some pressure during the opening stages, the closest they came to testing Petr Cech came when Yohan Cabaye shot narrowly wide from 20 yards out. Wenger's side gradually took charge and they forced the breakthrough in the 24th minute when Palace's failure to clear Mesut Ozil's free-kick eventually led to Mustafi's opening goal. The ball was played back towards the right side of the area where Alexandre Lacazette drew a good save from Julian Speroni only for the ball to fall to Mustafi who finished neatly with a first time shot. Six minutes later, Arsenal would have been two up but for Speroni who produced an excellent, one-handed reaction save after Ozil had latched onto Sanchez's superbly weighted through ball. Wilfried Zaha was Palace's most threatening player throughout the first half with the Ivorian maintaining the form that has seen him linked with a number of top clubs this season. It also made the winger a target for some robust treatment with Callum Chambers booked for pulling him back. Zaha made the point he believed he deserved more protection too vigorously to referee Michael Oliver as they left the pitch at half time and could have been sent off after sarcastically reacting to the match official's decision to show him a yellow card. Zaha though reacted in a more positive way after the restart as he eased his way past Chambers before pulling the ball back towards Townsend who struck a first time shot past Cech from near the penalty spot. At that point Palace were in the ascendancy but Sanchez's quick double soon killed off the home side's hopes. The first came after Chambers played a deep ball into the home penalty area that was controlled by Sanchez before the Chile international exchanged passes with Lacazette and drilled the ball past Speroni. Then four minutes later, the forward had his second after collecting Wilshere's long ball over the top with his first touch and finishing with his second. Tomkins late header from a corner came too late for the home side.

Alexis Sanchez gives record-equalling Wenger victory

Second-half substitute Olivier Giroud rescued Arsenal with a late equaliser in a 1-1 draw at St Mary&#39;s on Sunday after Southampton had looked like holding on for all three points.

The France international, who replaced compatriot Alexandre Lacazette in the 72nd minute of a lively game, scored two minutes from fulltime with a glancing header off an Alexis Sanchez cross.

Southampton had made Arsenal sweat until then with Charlie Austin grabbing a fourth goal from his last three league starts with a third-minute shot past Petr Cech after being fed through by Dusan Tadic.

It was the 17th time Giroud has scored as a substitute for Arsenal, equalling Norwegian Ole Gunnar Solskjaer&#39;s record with Manchester United for most goals scored off the bench for a single club.

If the draw remained a lost opportunity for the Gunners, the goal at least staved off a second successive league defeat after a stinging 3-1 loss to Manchester United at the Emirates last weekend.

&quot;Last week had an influence on today&#39;s game,&quot; Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, whose side played in the Europa League on Thursday, told Sky Sports television.

&quot;They wanted to start strong but it took us time to get into the game again,&quot; added the manager, who criticised the amount of time-wasting in the match.

&quot;I think he (Giroud) has come back into a very good shape, he&#39;s shown that today again. He&#39;s mentally extremely strong as well. It&#39;s a remarkable achievement what he has done again today.&quot;

Arsenal moved up to fifth place, behind Liverpool on goal difference, but 14 adrift of leaders Manchester City who were playing Manchester United later in the day.

Southampton moved up to 10th, ahead of Huddersfield Town and Everton, who were playing the Merseyside derby at Liverpool.

&quot;We started really well, got the goal. Should have got the second really,&quot; said Austin, who had a low shot from the right well saved by Cech minutes after scoring.

&quot;Against Arsenal, you give them one chance and the big man&#39;s come on and scored. It&#39;s just one of those things...we take away a point from here but we should have taken all three.&quot;

Austin also hit the post with another effort in the eighth minute with the Arsenal defence in disarray but the linesman flagging for offside.

Arsenal worked their way back, picking up the tempo as Southampton were forced on the defensive but without giving home goalkeeper Fraser Forster much to worry about.

Southampton were still dangerous against the run of play, however, with Spanish defensive midfielder Oriol Romeu firing in a long-range shot that smacked the crossbar in the 62nd.

Arsenal took off defender Per Mertesacker shortly afterwards, bringing on Danny Welbeck to add firepower, but Southampton could still feel unlucky not to increase their advantage.

Ryan Bertrand had a golden opportunity when he shook off Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny, but lofted the ball high over Cech, while Austin saw another opportunity trickle past the post.

Giroud came on as a second-half substitute, the equaliser came late

Second-half substitute Olivier Giroud rescued Arsenal with a late equaliser in a 1-1 draw at St Mary's on Sunday after Southampton had looked like holding on for all three points. The France international, who replaced compatriot Alexandre Lacazette in the 72nd minute of a lively game, scored two minutes from fulltime with a glancing header off an Alexis Sanchez cross. Southampton had made Arsenal sweat until then with Charlie Austin grabbing a fourth goal from his last three league starts with a third-minute shot past Petr Cech after being fed through by Dusan Tadic. It was the 17th time Giroud has scored as a substitute for Arsenal, equalling Norwegian Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's record with Manchester United for most goals scored off the bench for a single club. If the draw remained a lost opportunity for the Gunners, the goal at least staved off a second successive league defeat after a stinging 3-1 loss to Manchester United at the Emirates last weekend. "Last week had an influence on today's game," Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, whose side played in the Europa League on Thursday, told Sky Sports television. "They wanted to start strong but it took us time to get into the game again," added the manager, who criticised the amount of time-wasting in the match. "I think he (Giroud) has come back into a very good shape, he's shown that today again. He's mentally extremely strong as well. It's a remarkable achievement what he has done again today." Arsenal moved up to fifth place, behind Liverpool on goal difference, but 14 adrift of leaders Manchester City who were playing Manchester United later in the day. Southampton moved up to 10th, ahead of Huddersfield Town and Everton, who were playing the Merseyside derby at Liverpool. "We started really well, got the goal. Should have got the second really," said Austin, who had a low shot from the right well saved by Cech minutes after scoring. "Against Arsenal, you give them one chance and the big man's come on and scored. It's just one of those things...we take away a point from here but we should have taken all three." Austin also hit the post with another effort in the eighth minute with the Arsenal defence in disarray but the linesman flagging for offside. Arsenal worked their way back, picking up the tempo as Southampton were forced on the defensive but without giving home goalkeeper Fraser Forster much to worry about. Southampton were still dangerous against the run of play, however, with Spanish defensive midfielder Oriol Romeu firing in a long-range shot that smacked the crossbar in the 62nd. Arsenal took off defender Per Mertesacker shortly afterwards, bringing on Danny Welbeck to add firepower, but Southampton could still feel unlucky not to increase their advantage. Ryan Bertrand had a golden opportunity when he shook off Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny, but lofted the ball high over Cech, while Austin saw another opportunity trickle past the post.

Giroud to the rescue as Arsenal draw 1-1 at Southampton

Arsene Wenger&#39;s decision to leave Alexis Sanchez on the bench backfired as first half goals from Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane set Liverpool on course for a vital 3-1 win over Arsenal on Saturday.

Wenger eventually brought on the Chilean international at half-time at Anfield and he set up Danny Welbeck for a goal that breathed life into Arsenal.

But in the closely-fought contest for a top-four finish, this was a disappointing result for the Arsenal manager and Georginio Wijnaldum added Liverpool&#39;s third goal in stoppage-time to cap a wretched evening for the Gunners.

Arsenal drop below Liverpool to fifth place and sit two points outside the top four after a third defeat in their last four league games.

Faced with the daunting task of trying to overturn a 5-1 deficit against Bayern Munich in the Champions League last 16 second leg, Wenger knows the critics will be sharpening their knives again on Tuesday and he can&#39;t expect any sympathy after this bizarre selection gamble.

Liverpool, who climb to third place, took nine minutes to score the opening goal in an effort to maintain their record of not having lost to a team currently in the top half of the Premier League this season.

It was the home team&#39;s first notable chance as Mane crossed from the right and Philippe Coutinho dummied the ball to allow it into the path of Firmino at the far post.

The Brazilian appeared to have mis-controlled the ball, with Hector Bellerin closing him down just six yards out, but Firmino had the presence of mind to recover and deposit the ball into the roof of the Arsenal goal.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain had led a couple of early attacks with Bellerin sending over a dangerous cross from one of them which Joel Matip did well to defend at the expense of a corner.

But the second goal, five minutes before half-time, was an even better worked effort as Wijnaldum&#39;s pass from the left was moved on superbly by Firmino and Mane drove in an unstoppable finish.

Superiority&nbsp;

Liverpool, with just two wins in 12 attempts in the calendar year before this meeting, looked anxious in defence.

Oxlade-Chamberlain&#39;s 21st minute chip to the far post caused one such moment of concern as Olivier Giroud rose with Mignolet who flapped at the ball before it went out for a corner.

An entertaining game continued in that fashion with Firmino fractionally offside as he readied himself to tear through on goal and Petr Cech being forced to tip Coutinho&#39;s 18-yard shot over the Arsenal bar after Wijnaldum&#39;s lay-off.

But as the half wore on, Liverpool&#39;s superiority began to tell and the visiting supporters greeted a wayward effort by Granit Xhaka with ironic cheers of &quot;We&#39;ve had a shot&quot;.

Francis Coquelin, who was enduring a miserable, error-strewn evening, became the game&#39;s first booking for a petulant tug on the shirt of Adam Lallana and Liverpool&#39;s second goal soon after left his team in even deeper trouble.

Coutinho could have added a third before the interval as Lallana&#39;s pass deflected into his path but he could only scoop his shot into Cech&#39;s arms.

Wenger predictably threw on Sanchez as a half-time substitute and the forward soon provided two dangerous left-wing crosses - one which Mignolet turned away and another which found Giroud whose header was turned over by the Liverpool keeper.

The momentum was now with Arsenal and, on 56 minutes, a brilliant pass by Sanchez threaded the ball between Nathaniel Clyne and Matip for Welbeck to chase into the area.

The England forward lifted an accomplished finish over Mignolet for his first league goal since the end of April.

Arsenal looked more capable than the first half but Liverpool responded well to conceding and could have extended their lead before eventually scoring a deserved third.

(AFP)

Firmino and Mane set Liverpool on course for a 3-1 win over Arsenal, who had their talisman Sanchez sitting on the bench for the first half

Arsene Wenger's decision to leave Alexis Sanchez on the bench backfired as first half goals from Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane set Liverpool on course for a vital 3-1 win over Arsenal on Saturday. Wenger eventually brought on the Chilean international at half-time at Anfield and he set up Danny Welbeck for a goal that breathed life into Arsenal. But in the closely-fought contest for a top-four finish, this was a disappointing result for the Arsenal manager and Georginio Wijnaldum added Liverpool's third goal in stoppage-time to cap a wretched evening for the Gunners. Arsenal drop below Liverpool to fifth place and sit two points outside the top four after a third defeat in their last four league games. Faced with the daunting task of trying to overturn a 5-1 deficit against Bayern Munich in the Champions League last 16 second leg, Wenger knows the critics will be sharpening their knives again on Tuesday and he can't expect any sympathy after this bizarre selection gamble. Liverpool, who climb to third place, took nine minutes to score the opening goal in an effort to maintain their record of not having lost to a team currently in the top half of the Premier League this season. It was the home team's first notable chance as Mane crossed from the right and Philippe Coutinho dummied the ball to allow it into the path of Firmino at the far post. The Brazilian appeared to have mis-controlled the ball, with Hector Bellerin closing him down just six yards out, but Firmino had the presence of mind to recover and deposit the ball into the roof of the Arsenal goal. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain had led a couple of early attacks with Bellerin sending over a dangerous cross from one of them which Joel Matip did well to defend at the expense of a corner. But the second goal, five minutes before half-time, was an even better worked effort as Wijnaldum's pass from the left was moved on superbly by Firmino and Mane drove in an unstoppable finish. Superiority Liverpool, with just two wins in 12 attempts in the calendar year before this meeting, looked anxious in defence. Oxlade-Chamberlain's 21st minute chip to the far post caused one such moment of concern as Olivier Giroud rose with Mignolet who flapped at the ball before it went out for a corner. An entertaining game continued in that fashion with Firmino fractionally offside as he readied himself to tear through on goal and Petr Cech being forced to tip Coutinho's 18-yard shot over the Arsenal bar after Wijnaldum's lay-off. But as the half wore on, Liverpool's superiority began to tell and the visiting supporters greeted a wayward effort by Granit Xhaka with ironic cheers of "We've had a shot". Francis Coquelin, who was enduring a miserable, error-strewn evening, became the game's first booking for a petulant tug on the shirt of Adam Lallana and Liverpool's second goal soon after left his team in even deeper trouble. Coutinho could have added a third before the interval as Lallana's pass deflected into his path but he could only scoop his shot into Cech's arms. Wenger predictably threw on Sanchez as a half-time substitute and the forward soon provided two dangerous left-wing crosses - one which Mignolet turned away and another which found Giroud whose header was turned over by the Liverpool keeper. The momentum was now with Arsenal and, on 56 minutes, a brilliant pass by Sanchez threaded the ball between Nathaniel Clyne and Matip for Welbeck to chase into the area. The England forward lifted an accomplished finish over Mignolet for his first league goal since the end of April. Arsenal looked more capable than the first half but Liverpool responded well to conceding and could have extended their lead before eventually scoring a deserved third. (AFP)

Mane-led Liverpool sparkle against lacklustre Arsenal

&nbsp;

Mesut Ozil is ready to sign a new contract with Arsenal but the attacking midfielder wants to know if manager Arsene Wenger is staying at the club beyond this season.&nbsp;Wenger`s contract expires at the end of the current season, while Ozil and teammate Alexis Sanchez both have 18 months left on their deals.

&quot;I feel very, very happy at Arsenal and have let the club know I would be willing to extend. The fans want me to stay, and now it&#39;s only down to the club,&quot; Ozil told German football magazine Kicker.

&quot;The club knows I am here mainly because of Arsene Wenger, who brought me here and whose trust I have. The club also knows that I want clarity about what the manager is doing.&quot; 
 
Ozil, who joined the North London club in 2013, has been criticised by former Arsenal players including Thierry Henry, who said the German international was &quot;holding the club hostage&quot; with his wage demands.&nbsp;&quot;Everyone has a right to say what they want, but what they have to say doesn&#39;t interest me,&quot; Ozil said.

&quot;Ex-players or other people who have a view don&#39;t know what is actually being said between me and the club,&quot;&nbsp; Ozil pointed.&nbsp;Arsenal are currently fifth in the Premier League with 41 points from 20 games, trailing leaders Chelsea by eight points.

(Reuters)

Mesut Ozil is ready to sign a new contract but he wants to know if Arsene Wenger will stay with Arsenal.

Mesut Ozil is ready to sign a new contract with Arsenal but the attacking midfielder wants to know if manager Arsene Wenger is staying at the club beyond this season. Wenger`s contract expires at the end of the current season, while Ozil and teammate Alexis Sanchez both have 18 months left on their deals. "I feel very, very happy at Arsenal and have let the club know I would be willing to extend. The fans want me to stay, and now it's only down to the club," Ozil told German football magazine Kicker. "The club knows I am here mainly because of Arsene Wenger, who brought me here and whose trust I have. The club also knows that I want clarity about what the manager is doing." Ozil, who joined the North London club in 2013, has been criticised by former Arsenal players including Thierry Henry, who said the German international was "holding the club hostage" with his wage demands. "Everyone has a right to say what they want, but what they have to say doesn't interest me," Ozil said. "Ex-players or other people who have a view don't know what is actually being said between me and the club," Ozil pointed. Arsenal are currently fifth in the Premier League with 41 points from 20 games, trailing leaders Chelsea by eight points. (Reuters)

Want clarity over Wenger staying with Arsenal: Ozil

Arsenal midfielder Alexis Sanchez has been ruled out of Chile&#39;s World Cup qualifier against Colombia after he suffered a muscle injury, the Chilean Football Federation said on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The federation said in a short statement that the player will remain in Santiago for treatment and is under evaluation for Chile&#39;s match against Uruguay.

Chile, who sit fifth in the 10-team South American qualifying competition for Russia 2018, are scheduled to play Colombia - the team directly above them in the standings - in Barranquilla on Thursday.

Chile have won the last two Copa Americas but have struggled in the World Cup qualifying campaign, winning four of their 10 games on the pitch.&nbsp;

They were awarded a fifth victory when FIFA ruled that opponents Bolivia had fielded an ineligible player during their 0-0 draw last month.

(Reuters) 
&nbsp;

The midfielder was ruled out of the qualifier against Colombia and will remain in Santiago to undergo treatment for his muscle injury

Arsenal midfielder Alexis Sanchez has been ruled out of Chile's World Cup qualifier against Colombia after he suffered a muscle injury, the Chilean Football Federation said on Tuesday. The federation said in a short statement that the player will remain in Santiago for treatment and is under evaluation for Chile's match against Uruguay. Chile, who sit fifth in the 10-team South American qualifying competition for Russia 2018, are scheduled to play Colombia - the team directly above them in the standings - in Barranquilla on Thursday. Chile have won the last two Copa Americas but have struggled in the World Cup qualifying campaign, winning four of their 10 games on the pitch. They were awarded a fifth victory when FIFA ruled that opponents Bolivia had fielded an ineligible player during their 0-0 draw last month. (Reuters)

Arsenal's Sanchez out of Chile qualifier with muscle strain

alexis-sanchez

Alexis Sanchez, News on Alexis Sanchez, stories on Alexis Sanchez, articles on Alexis Sanchez, Alexis Sanchez stories at Wion, Alexis Sanchez news, Alexis Sanchez latest news

alexis sanchez