Rio Ferdinand's tweet after Alexis Sanchez misses Bournemouth vs Arsenal

Guardiola's bid to buy Sanchez collapsed at the end of the summer transfer window and City were favourites to land him this time around but the club are apparently unwilling to meet Arsenal's reported £35 million ($48 million, 39 million euros) asking price.

Arsene Wenger has since noted that nothing has been decided regarding Sanchez but Gianluca di Marzio claimed on Friday that United were leading the race to secure his signature after Pep Guardiola refused to improve his offer of £20m.

"He (Sanchez) is being vague at the moment", said the Frenchman.

Sanchez was thought to be heading to either Manchester City or United, but now Liverpool have registered an interest in Arsenal's Chilean forward.

Asked if a resolution was imminent, Wenger added: "Yes, but don't read too much into it because even I don't know what way it will go".

So, when it emerged Sanchez has been left out of the squad, United supporters were quick to express their excitement on Twitter...

However, according to the Independent, United could also move for Sanchez's Arsenal team mate, Mesut Ozil.

Naturally, United fans loved Ferdinand's tweet and have forgiven him for suggesting Sanchez should join City instead.

"If Arsenal could get him playing like he was at Borussia Dortmund they would have one of the best players in the league".

"They are top of the league, they are going to win the league this season, they are in the Champions League, they are looking like they will be in the final for the League cup, the FA Cup as well potentially".

'What you want to focus on is the players on the pitch who can do well for the club'. Incidentally he's won trophies with us.