Jose Mourinho admits Manchester United's lack of competition in attack has led to him making a move for Alexis Sanchez.

The Chilean is set to undergo a medical on Sunday ahead of a swap deal with Arsenal, that will see Henrikh Mkhitaryan move in the opposite direction.

Mourinho had predicted a quiet month but previously admitted that could change if a big name became available, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Mourinho has privately bemoaned a 'lack of creativity' in the United squad and believes they needed 'extra competition' up front.

"In this moment there is no competition for places," Mourinho said.

Sanchez reacts (
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PA)
Mourinho gestures (
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Getty Images Europe)

In this moment we have four attacking players for three positions, three are starting, one is on the bench, Zlatan for the whole season was not available, we look to central defenders, played Jones and Smalling, Rojo on the bench, Victor [Lindelof] in the stands, [Eric[ Bailly is injured, look to midfield, Fellaini, Herrera and McTominay on the bench, Carrick in the stands.

"And we look to the attacking areas and we need that extra competitive internal competition but more solutions for us, so let's see."

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United recorded a fifth successive clean sheet in their 1-0 win over Burnley on Saturday and have not conceded since the Clarets scored twice at Old Trafford on Boxing Day.

Mourinho restored Ashley Young to the back four at Turf Moor and was pleased with his defenders' organisation.

"We defended well since the beginning of the season," Mourinho added. "Normally we don't concede many goals, the team is well organised, the defenders in form, David [de Gea] today, I don't remember anything important, he's very crucial for us and we controlled very well the game."

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