Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer says Manchester United can be pleased with themselves over their deal for Alexis Sanchez.

Writing for The Sun, Shearer declared: "Manchester City might well think they have taken the moral high ground in the battle for Alexis Sanchez.

"The truth is they have been dealt a major blow.

"Not one that is going to knock them off course this season as they are already over the hill and far away in this title race.

"But there is no doubt the nearest side to them has been empowered by the signing of the Chilean forward.

"City claimed they had pulled out of the race because the wages for the player, due to his contract situation, were excessive.

"They have been estimated at around £505,000 a week.

"Given the amount of money City have shelled out left, right and centre since Sheikh Mansour's takeover in 2008, it does seem odd that now they have decided to rein it in.

"Or was this damage limitation because Sanchez had decided it was Manchester United who wanted him more?"