How Manchester United were the big winners of the transfer window

Our writers have their say on how Manchester United fared in the January transfer window.

Martin Laurence: There’s no question that Alexis Sanchez was a superb signing from Manchester United, and getting a straight swap for a player Jose Mourinho clearly didn’t value made it even better. The likes of Demi Mitchell, Axel Tuanzebe and James Wilson getting experience at decent loan clubs is also a positive from a club that didn’t need to rush into the market n January.

Overall grade: A-

Josh Wright: Jose Mourinho's side beat off competition from Manchester City to complete a shock move for Arsenal's Alexis Sanchez and now United finally possess a genuine match winner in their ranks. Weakening two rivals along the way, it's a huge transfer for the Red Devils even if the finances involved are mind-blowing. However, United's problem has always been the right hand side of attack and Sanchez's arrival does not particularly address that. As Wednesday's performance against Tottenham showed, they need to sort their midfield options sooner rather than later.

Overall grade: B+

Ben McAleer: The arrival of Alexis Sanchez adds a match winner to the United squad and provides sufficient competition in a number of attacking positions. Henrikh Mkhitaryan's exit also gets a player out of favour under Jose Mourinho off the books and to use the Armenian as payment for Alexis was a solid move by United.

Overall grade: B+

Best signing: Alexis Sanchez - Only Harry Kane (36), had a direct hand in more Premier League goals than Sanchez (34) last season.