Jose Mourinho has ordered Alexis Sanchez’s locker to be placed next to Marcus Rashford’s in Manchester United’s changing room, according to reports.
The Chile international completed his switch to Old Trafford on Monday in a deal which saw Henrikh Mkhitaryan move in the opposite direction to Arsenal.
Sanchez made his debut in the 4-0 victory over Yeovil Town on Friday and after the match, Mourinho said the 29-year-old’s arrival brings ‘maturity and class’ to his squad and believed the forward set an example for his younger teammates.
‘His [Sanchez’s] choice for the second goal is a choice that a player like Marcus Rashford is too nervous to make,’ said Mourinho.
According to The Sun, Mourinho has intentionally placed Sanchez’s locker next to Rashford’s and Jesse Lingard’s in an attempt to encourage the Chilean to mentor United’s younger attackers.
‘Jose likes players of all ages to be able to mix,’ a source at United told The Sun.
‘It doesn’t seem a coincidence that Alexis’ new locker is right in the middle of the where Marcus and Jesse Lingard sit.
‘There is also a feeling behind the scenes that Alexis can now take Rashford to another level.’
Sanchez is set to make his first Premier League appearance for United on Wednesday evening as Mourinho’s side face Tottenham at Wembley.
United captain Michael Carrick admits he has already been impressed by the Chilean’s impact.
‘He is not bad is he? Not bad for a little man,’ he told MUTV.
‘He is going to be a terrific player, he is a proper Man United player, and it’s great to have him here.
‘He is so exciting and so dynamic. He’s always looking to create opportunities, to play forward and the fans are going to enjoy watching him, hopefully we will enjoy playing with him.’
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