Those who knew Alexis Sanchez best at Arsenal always maintained he despised not playing football. He didn't want rest and it became such an issue that Arsene Wenger simply never dropped him.
Jose Mourinho did, however, against Brighton a fortnight ago. Sanchez was an unused substitute after a number of haphazard displays and owner of a worrying demeanour around Carrington.
His start to life at Manchester United has been so rocky that sources were fretting whether he will turn out to be another Angel di Maria. Mourinho had to act, and that he did in the FA Cup softened the blow but simultaneously sent a subtle message.