Manchester United team news: Alexis Sanchez in line for first Arsenal return

Sanchez has recovered from a hamstring problem and will be involved at the Emirates

Alexis Sanchez will return to the Emirates for the first time as a Manchester United player on Friday night, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed.

The former Arsenal forward has struggled of late after suffering a recurrence of a hamstring injury but will be available for United’s trip to north London.

Sanchez is likely to receive a mixed reception from Arsenal’s supporters but Solskjaer believes the Chilean will thrive in a hostile atmosphere.

“He’ll be involved,” Solskjaer told MUTV, United’s in-house media channel.

“I think he’ll love it if the crowd turn against him. As a player, pride kicks in and you think ‘I’ll show all of you’.

“He’s been fantastic in training, his attitude has been spot on so hopefully he’ll enjoy the game.”

Solskjaer said on Friday that Marcos Rojo (knock) and Marouane Fellaini (hamstring) are the only United players out of contention for Friday’s FA Cup fourth round tie.

Luke Shaw pulled out of the warm-up before Saturday’s 2-1 win over Brighton and Hove Albion but is expected to return.

“He was ill, he just fell ill the night before,” Solskjaer said.

“[Chris] Smalling started training again so it’s only Rojo and Fellaini are the two I can’t call upon in this game.”