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Alexis Sanchez Is 'Still a Great Player,' Says Robin van Persie
August 21, 2019
Manchester United forward Alexis Sanchez is "still a great player" and needs to find his "true happiness," according to former United and Arsenal striker Robin van Persie.
The Dutchman told BT Sport that the Chile international remains a class act despite enduring a torrid time at Old Trafford since his move from the Gunners in January 2018.
"I don't know if it's the pressure. Pressure is something you can't see or touch but he has to manage that in his head. But he is still the same great player.
“He has it all: he's fast, he can assist, he can dribble, and he can score. There is just a lot of negativity around him from fans and people who have opinions on social media. Maybe it's all become a little too much for him. He just needs to block it out, find his true happiness and just enjoy football."
Sanchez arrived at Old Trafford with a reputation as one of the Premier League's most dangerous attacking players but has managed just five goals in 45 appearances for the Red Devils.
Speaking on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football, former Manchester United captain Gary Neville described Sanchez as an "absolute disaster" and said the Red Devils need to "get him out the club."
The 30-year-old has been linked with a move to Inter Milan. The Serie A side are hoping to bring him in on loan, but United may have to pay some of his near-£400,000-a-week wages, according to Simon Stone at BBC Sport.
Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer told Sky Sports (h/t Football Italia) that "some clubs have shown an interest" in Sanchez and that "there is a chance" he could leave before the close of the transfer window.
Sanchez has experience of playing in Serie A, spending five years at Udinese before moving to Barcelona in 2011.
Inter manager Antonio Conte is keen to land Sanchez, according to Stone:
A move away from Old Trafford looks the best option for both parties. The Chilean has been unable to reproduce his best form at Manchester United and may relish a fresh start in a different league.