Manchester United could buy Alexis Sánchez from Arsenal even if Henrikh Mkhitaryan refuses to move the other way. José Mourinho hopes Ed Woodward, the executive vice-chairman, would sign off a deal financed without money from the Armenian’s sale.

Mino Raiola, Mkhitaryan’s agent, has claimed his player holds the key to Sánchez’s transfer to United in a transaction that would be worth around £60m once the Chilean’s fee and that of his agent are factored in.

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However, it is understood that if Mkhitaryan does not leave Mourinho believes that, given the club’s robust finances, Woodward could still sanction a move for a player who would potentially vastly improve United.

There is some disquiet at Old Trafford regarding Raiola’s stance and a view that he may be posturing. As Mkhitaryan has regularly been omitted by Mourinho from the match-day squad his prospects of regular game-time would be bleak should he refuse to leave for Arsenal. This may cause him to accept his career at United is over and agree the transfer.

Although Sánchez is out of contract in the summer and at 29 would have little or no sell-on value, Mourinho believes the forward would allow a step change in the side’s development. United are second in the Premier League but trail Manchester City by 12 points after 23 matches.