Alexis Sanchez is not suited to Manchester United’s style and will be “kicking himself” for having turned down the chance to move to City, says Paul Ince.
The Chilean was considered to be quite a coup for the Red Devils when they lured him away from Arsenal during the January transfer window.
It had appeared at one stage as though he was destined to end up in Manchester at the Etihad Stadium, but Pep Guardiola was snubbed in favour of joining Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford.
United have been unable to bring the best out of their notable addition, though, with Sanchez having struggled to deliver goals and a telling contribution in the final third of the field.
Ince believes that is down to Mourinho’s “negative” brand of football, with the former Red Devils midfielder telling Paddy Power: “When Alexis Sanchez first went to Manchester United, it was obvious he was going to a team that doesn’t suit the way he plays. The style of play is completely different.
“I see people saying that he doesn’t try or doesn’t work hard enough, and I’m not having that. He works as hard as he can, but when the way you play just doesn’t fit into a team, what else can you do?
“Alexis Sanchez will regret not going to Manchester City. If he’d gone there, it would have been the absolute best move for him. A side with free-flowing, attacking football, where you’re encouraged to get the ball forward.
“Instead he’s at Old Trafford, where both the football and the mood around the club is negative. I don’t think you can blame him for that atmosphere.
“He went to a team fraught with issues, and I wouldn’t be shocked if he was kicking himself for not only not going to Man City, but also for leaving Arsenal.
“It’s no surprise he’s not hit the ground running.”
Sanchez has recorded just three goals in 23 appearances for United, with his account yet to be opened in the 2018-19 campaign.
Paul Ince was speaking exclusively to Paddy Power News.
