Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku has said that teammate Alexis Sanchez was "destined" to move to Old Trafford.

Former Arsenal winger Sanchez, who moved up north in a straight swap deal for Henrikh Mkhitaryan, made his Premier League debut for the Red Devils in Wednesday's 2-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.

Lukaku told Sky Sports News that he is not threatened by Sanchez's arrival, but welcomes the added goalscoring potential for Jose Mourinho's side.

"I work hard and do everything to make sure I am in the starting lineup," the Belgian said. "It is the manager's choice [if I am picked], but he knows what I can do for the team - I score goals and give assists and I think in my short time here I have been important for the team.

"[Sanchez] is a Manchester United player - he was destined to play here. He deserves to be on the big stage. It was something he wanted as well.

"He has a lot of experience after playing for Barcelona and Arsenal. I admire the quality he has on the ball, but especially his will to win. People were criticising him for being moody, but he is not like that. He is a just a winner."

United return to the Champions League later this month, with a tie against Spanish side Sevilla awaiting them in the last 16.

Written by
Jonny Whitfield