Every Manchester United transfer Jose Mourinho has completed this January

Manchester United appeared as though they would keep their powder dry ahead of the summer, before pulling off one of the most spectacular signings in the history of the January transfer window.

Alexis Sanchez, for some time, had seemed destined for Manchester City but a failure to agree a fee with Arsenal, allied with their refusal to bow to the demands of the player’s agent, presented Jose Mourinho with an opportunity he gleefully accepted.

Gareth Bale and Antoine Griezmann were the two blockbuster forwards Mourinho had been sizing up in a bid to complete his forward line, but the Chilean’s sudden availability dramatically changed United’s plans.

The opportunity to rid themselves of Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who had fallen short of expectations and down Mourinho’s pecking order, in the process and sweeten the deal from an Arsenal perspective represented the perfect scenario for all involved.

United will almost certainly now concentrate their efforts on strengthening their midfield and full-back departments in the summer. Michael Carrick is due to retire, Marouane Fellaini looks unlikely to renew his contract and Ander Herrera is not the trusted Mourinho foot soldier he once was.

Game though Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia are, meanwhile, they are make-do options at best and both comfortably the wrong side of 30.