David Beckham surprised Arsenal sold Alexis Sanchez to Manchester United

But the Swedish striker, linked by British media with a move to LA Galaxy, has not mentioned the subject to his manager.

“I don’t think it’s a problem for him at all”.

“If it’s true and he wants a future at another club we are here to help”, said Mourinho.

Manchester United endured a sticky patch during the festive schedule following a surprise 2-1 loss to Bristol City in the League Cup and three successive stalemates with Burnley, Southampton and Leicester. The first time I read something or listened to something about that was from you [the media] – I read on some website and I listened to some channel.

The former England captain, now 42, told Press Association Sport: “I still can’t believe it’s happened to be honest”. Jose Mourinho says he chose to extend his stay at Manchester United because he is convinced the club’s board can match his ambition. Reports in the media had suggested that United would activate the release clause of the 26-year-old midfield player who now plies his trade in the French Ligue 1 with Nice. Mourinho has previously appeared resigned to losing Fellaini, 30, at the end of the season but now appears more optimistic.

“I think he is probably going to get that kind of reception everywhere, it doesn’t matter about the previous rivalry between Spurs and Arsenal”, Mourinho said.

“There is a desire from myself, the board and the player to stay together, that’s our objective”.

He went on to note the way Sanchez leads from the front, saying, “He’s always ready to be the first defender for the team, and that’s big for us”.

“We all know we must tell the whereabouts of our players where they are 24 hours per day [clubs have to tell testers if players miss training and the players must give their location for one hour every day]”.

“Its great to see him wear a United shirt and I’m sure he’s going to be successful”. Kieran Trippier will also have to play an important role in the right back, as most United attacks will probably come from the left side, thanks to Martial and Sanchez.

“Mata is very important”.

The 29-year-old was on target in the last north London derby but, with just six other league goals to his name this term, doubters are queueing to claim he is in decline.