in , , , , , ,

Former national team coach opens up on why South American star failed at Man United

Manchester United want £19m for Alexis Sanchez
Alexis Sanchez joined Inter Milan permanently

Former Chile coach explains why Alexis Sanchez failed at Manchester United

According to the Daily Star, Former Chile boss Juan Antonio Pizzi believes Alexis Sanchez ‘s struggles at Manchester United began the moment he swapped Arsenal for Old Trafford.

The 31-year-old has struggled to make a mark at Old Trafford since moving to the club in January 2018. He has been a shadow of the player he was at the Emirates and has scored just 5 goals and 9 assists in 45 appearances for the Red Devils.

His form at United was so poor that the club were happy to send him away on loan without bothering to sign a replacement.

Juan Antonio Pizzi believes Alexis Sanchez never connected emotionally to Manchester United
Juan Antonio Pizzi believes Alexis Sanchez never connected emotionally to Manchester United

Pizzi, who led Chile to Copa America glory in 2016, believes Arsenal and Sanchez were a perfect fit.

Having spent four seasons at the Gunners, Sanchez needed time to adapt to the city, coach, teammates and fans at United. Pizzi believes the player needed more time to adapt and just could not connect emotionally. This eventually translated into his poor on-field performances.

“The consequences of that state of mind were translated in his performances.”

He went on to add that Sanchez will do well to leave the club and seek his fortunes elsewhere.

Sanchez was one of the league's best players at Arsenal
Sanchez was one of the league’s best players at Arsenal

United are keen to get rid of the player but are facing difficulties in finding a buyer. The major sticking point is the player’s massive £505,000-a-week salary. A problem further exaggerated due to the current financial crisis.

Sanchez is set to return to United in the summer. Inter Milan are not keen on keeping the player.

More Manchester United

With over two years still left on his Old Trafford deal, United would have to fork out around £55m if they decide to part ways with the forward before his contract expires (h/t Daily Mail).

The transfer of the Chilean has also proved to be a financial disaster for United. The club has so far spent a combined £64.65m on the player with minimal returns (h/t Daily Mail).

Sanchez will go down as one of the costliest mistakes we have made in the transfer market in the Premier League era.

Written by Pranav Nair

An Engineering postgraduate with a keen interest in statistics, pop culture and football.

Old Trafford will host Atletico Madrid in the round of 16 UCL clash this season.

Finance expert believes Man United have a telling advantage in the transfer window this summer

Man United receive green light to conduct barrier-seating trial at Old Trafford