In the January of 2018, Manchester United FC secured the services of the then Arsenal talisman, Alexis Sanchez. The Chilean has racked up some big numbers while at the Emirates Stadium, which had caught the eyes of the Red Devils. At Arsenal, Alexis had played 166 games, scored 80 goals and had set up 45 more.
He spent three and a half seasons at Arsenal, out of which he won two Arsenal Player of the Year award. In his first season at Arsenal, he had also bagged the PFA fans Player of the Year award. Sanchez had also scored 24 goals in the Premier League in the 2016/17 season to become Arsenal’s top scorer.
Come the winter transfer window of 2018, United were craving for a good winger, as Mkhitaryan had massively disappointed at Old Trafford. Thus they moved for Sanchez, and Arsenal agreed for a swap move involving Sanchez and Mkhitaryan moving the other way. Sanchez was given a grand welcome and was handed over the fabled United No.7 shirt instantly.
The transfer of Sanchez to United from Arsenal was seen as similar to the transfer of Robin Van Persie. But others feared that it mightn’t be so, as Sanchez had only managed 7 goals in 19 games for Arsenal that season. United also handed Sanchez a contract of paying him £350,000 per week, making him the highest-paid player in the league.
Sighting his huge contract and the No.7 shirt, United fans expected a lot of fireworks from Alexis Sanchez. But alas, Sanchez never reached his promised potential and never found his feet an Old Trafford. He was 28-years old when Manchester United signed him and was already struggling with injuries, thus it was always a risky buy.
Mourinho fielded Sanchez in his favourite left-wing spot, but he was burdened with defensive duties as well. Sanchez flourished under Arsene Wenger, at Arsenal, when he has given a free role. But in a Mourinho side, no-one is spared of their defensive duties, and Sanchez was no different.
His age was also not on his side, as his runs down the channels decreased along with his burst of pace. The Chilean was known for his high work-rate and mesmeric dribbling, but all that seemed to have vanished at United. On top of all the problems, Sanchez was constantly getting injured, which didn’t help his confidence.
Sanchez has had several injuries at Manchester United, including hamstring injuries, thigh problems, knee injuries, and ankle injuries. He has played a total of 45 games for United and has reportedly missed almost about 20 games due to injury. To add insult to injury, he has only scored five times for the Red Devils.
Sanchez has been shipped out on-loan to Inter Milan at the beginning of the season and has also struggled there due to injury. He has reportedly missed 14 games due to injury at the San Siro this season. But lately, he has shown glimpses of his old self and done well since the restart.
At Italy, Sanchez might find his feet because of the slow pace of the league. With his high wages and dismal record, United are desperate to get rid of Sanchez, and Inter Milan have reportedly shown interest. Only time will tell if Sanchez will ever return to his best, or if his best days are long gone by.
