Paul Ince believes the Alexis Sanchez signing proves that Manchester United are still "miles bigger" than Manchester City.

Sanchez underwent a medical on Sunday at United's Carrington training base and will complete his move to Old Trafford by Tuesday.

It comes after City pulled out of the race to sign the Arsenal man earlier in the window after refusing to increase an initial £20m offer.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror on Monday, Ince insisted that there is still a large gulf between the two rivals, branding United "serial winners".

Ince added that the Chile international could have chosen to join Pep Guardiola’s men at the top of the Premier League table and almost certainly pick up a medal in May for winning the title. This, Ince says, suggests Sanchez doubts Manchester City's long-term ambition, and is further proof that United are still the biggest force in English Football.

"Everyone is raving about City" Ince said. "But when it comes to the two clubs, Manchester United are miles bigger than City.

"Players would still prefer to go to them over Pep’s side – that’s a fact. Players won’t go to City because they think they’re bigger, more historic club than United. Because they’re simply not."

Ince added: "City have some unbelievable players, but winning the League this year doesn’t mean anything. They need to do that year upon year and collect trophies to compete with United. That’s the true test.

"They’re not serial winners. United are and that’s why they want to be there."

And the 50-year-old believes that Sanchez's arrival enhances United’s chances of European success this season.

"With the Champions League around the corner, this is a huge boost," he said.

"He’s a special player and the sort that doesn’t come around that often, I’d say United’s hopes of winning their fourth European trophy have just got a lot more likely."