Ryan Giggs gives his verdict on the Alexis Sanchez transfer and why it might help Anthony Martial

Martial has been in fine form as the rumours over Sanchez’s possible arrival at United from Arsenal began to mount earlier this month and Giggs told Sky Sports that the French forward will feel the need to raise his game following the high profile signing of United’s new No.7.

“Manchester United signing Alexis Sanchez is similar to Robin van Persie (from Arsenal in 2012) in the sense that they’re getting a ready-made superstar and you’re seeing the contribution already with Anthony Martial upping his performances,” stated new Wales manager Giggs.

“That can happen when top players come in, those around them lift their levels, and there will be some difficult selection decisions for Jose Mourinho.

“However, Sanchez can also play on the right, as he did at Barcelona, so if Martial is flying then he may have to play in a different position, but those sort of decisions are positive for a manager to have to make.

“It is an extra bonus that he can play in the Champions League. To have somebody like that, who won’t be fazed by playing in the big games, makes the squad look really strong.”

Henrikh Mkhitaryan moved to Arsenal as part of the Sanchez transfer and Giggs admits he was surprised by the Armenian’s failure to shine at Old Trafford.

“I think as well as every United fan I was excited to see Mkhitaryan join the club and he looked on the outset like a United player, scoring and creating goals,” added Giggs.

“I played with Juan Sebastian Veron, who was one of the most talented players on the planet, but sometimes it happens where it doesn’t work out, maybe because of injuries or maybe being played out of position.

“Maybe it will work out for him at Arsenal and he’ll set the place on fire, so I’m not sure who has got the best part of the deal, but Sanchez has scored and assisted more goals in the Premier League.”