The 68-year-old Frenchman, who joined Arsenal from Nagoya Grampus Eight all the way back in 1996, shocked players and staff, telling them about his departure completely out of the blues at the club’s London Colney training base
Browsing: Henrikh Mkhitaryan
The first chance of the game went to the returning Danny Welbeck, who headed wide of the far post after meeting Mohamed Elneny’s cross, while Henrikh Mkhitaryan also had an effort cleared off the line by a defender
Sanchez joined United from Premier League rivals Arsenal last month in a deal that saw Henrikh Mkhitaryan go the other way and has made an immediate impact on and off the pitch, scoring on his home debut and setting a new record for shirt sales
But their local rivals are sure to provide tougher opposition as the two teams continue their bids for UEFA Champions League qualification.
Though Mkhitaryan stole the show with a hat-trick of assists on his first appearance at the Emirates since joining from Manchester United, Iwobi was equally impressive, providing one of Aaron Ramsey’s three goals
With three assists for the former, and a delicious debut goal for the latter, they really made a significant impact, as the Gunners showed that at home they’re a force to be reckoned with this season.
The first of Arsenal’s four first-half goals arrived through their first attempt of note, as star attacking trio Mesut Ozil, Aubameyang and Mkhitaryan exchanged passes, before the latter teed up Ramsey to convert from close range
Ozil’s previous deal had been due to expire at the end of the season, with the likes of Manchester United, Barcelona and Juventus credited with an interest in the Germany international
Mkhitaryan started the season as arguably United’s best player, with one goal and five assists being registered during the opening month of the campaign
United boss Jose Mourinho revealed on Saturday that a deal was “so close” to completion after seeing talks stall during the week due to complications over minor details
The Chile international is widely expected to sign for the Red Devils as part of a proposed swap deal that will see Henrikh Mkhitaryan head the opposite way.
Mane picks up the award having fended off competition from Manchester United trio of Phil Jones, Romelu Lukaku and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Chelsea’s Alvaro Morata, Huddersfield Town goalkeeper Jonas Lossl and Liverpool teammate Mohamed Salah
Luis Silva had given the MLS side a surprise lead, but goals from Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Lukaku ensured that United registered their second win on American soil in the space of three days.
Jose Mourinho’s side weathered the early storm and took control of the contest
The first leg ended 1-1
The second leg takes place next week at Old Trafford
Zlatan Ibrahimovic opened the scoring for United before Sebastian Larsson was dismissed for Sunderland just before the break
During the final quarter of the match, chances were few and far between with neither side being able to put together a move capable of troubling either of the defences
The Red Devils had won the first leg 3-0
Manchester United has closed the gap on the top four to just two points courtesy of a comfortable 3-0 win…