Alexis Sanchez is expected to move imminently (Getty)

Rio Ferdinand insists he wants Alexis Sanchez to join Manchester United, clarifying comments made earlier in the week.

Arsenal forward Sanchez is on the verge of a move away from the Emirates, with Arsene Wenger confirming a switch is ‘imminent’.

However, it’s still not clear if the Chilean will join Manchester United or Man City.

Earlier this week, Ferdinand appeared to suggest that Sanchez should pick the blue half of Manchester.

‘If he has an option to go to City or United as a footballer who wanted to win trophies and be judged on trophies Manchester City looks like the place to go,’ he told BT Sport.

‘They are top of the league and going to win that, they are in the Champions League, they look like they will be in the final of the League Cup and the FA Cup as well potentially. So he’s got more opportunities to win trophies there.

Rio Ferdinand (Getty)

‘He knows Pep he’s been with Pep and has more of an idea. If Pep wants him again now I’m sure he’s thinking I’m going to go there second time round and do it properly this time.

‘Man City are so far ahead of everyone else not just in terms of points but style as well.’

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But despite appearing to push Sanchez away from a move to Manchester United, Ferdinand says he would love the ex-Barcelona player to join the Red Devils.

On Twitter he said: ‘As an ex player… fan… someone who loves the club, I would love to see Sanchez in a Manchester United shirt playing under Jose [Mourinho]!!!’

Sanchez, who didn’t travel with Arsenal for their game with Bournemouth, is expected to move in a deal of around £35million – a cut-price fee due to his contract expiring at the end of the season.

MORE : Arsene Wenger confirms Alexis Sanchez’s transfer is ‘imminent’ after Manchester United’s offer