Here's the press release from the Sanchez camp... It makes for grim reading.
Jan 11 - 17.38 GMT - breaking in
Manchester United Plc is delighted to announce that Alexis Sanchez has listened to the little boy inside.
As a consequence, an announcement was made to the New York Stock Exchange and our official noodle partner has just ordered an extra run on beef and tomato flavour.
We are also delighted to confirm that Alexis has accepted our lucrative incentive to join Francis Rossi on Status Quo's 'Three Chords and you're out' official tour 2018, replacing the sadly departed top Red, Rick Parfitt.
Alexis said: "How could I turn down the chance to play for a club which so cynically attempted to support my fellow countrymen when they were trapped for so many days down that mine, with only a David Beckham nightlight for solace and inspiration?"
Pablo Zabaleta was unavailable for comment although a source close to the player said late last night:" I hope it's a case of down down, deeper and down. Bastards. "