Alexis Sanchez’s decision to skip two Chile friendlies in order to concentrate on his career at Manchester United has been applauded by Jose Mourinho.
Sanchez, 29, told the Chilean FA he did not want to go to Japan and South Korea during next week’s international break following a difficult start to life at Old Trafford in which he has scored only three goals in 20 appearances.
Mourinho confirmed Sanchez is in contention to start at Burnley today following a minor injury but will then stay at Carrington for a fortnight to build up his sharpness rather than embark on a 12,000-mile round trip.
‘He is not going to the national team for these two friendlies in Japan and South Korea which is good news for us because after that we play Watford and then the Champions League,’ said Mourinho.
‘It’s a personal thing between him and the national manager. I never ask players not to go. At the same time, coming from injury he feels that for him it is a much-needed two weeks off. He is still in condition to play against Burnley but feels that afterwards he needs two weeks to put himself in good shape.
'And because they are friendly matches in Asia, they made a decision for his good — and by consequence our good — for him not to go.’
Sanchez’s decision to sign for United from Arsenal in January gave the club an important psychological boost with Manchester City also in the running.
But the Chilean’s performances have not matched expectations. He has rarely looked like the Premier League’s best-paid player on an estimated £350,000-a-week.
His preparations for the new season were hampered by failing to get an American visa in time for the start of the club’s pre-season tour and then picking up a knock before their Premier League game at Brighton.
‘He had a good pre-season and then he had a small injury that kept him out,’ said Mourinho. ‘He trained just one day before the Tottenham game and came on when we were 2-0 down. Let’s see from now. I believe he’ll improve.’
XAGAR
44
oh come on Manchester United fans Don't walk like this in the market
shah2468
32
Alexis Sanchez most definitely has the quality & mentality to turn things around & be a hit for United this season & next. Unlike Di Maria & Depay, the Chileans already proven that he can succeed in English football having done it Arsenal. He's effort, attitude & desire on the pitch is there for all to see so you can't criticise him for a lack of trying! It's going to take a bit of time for the likes of Shaw, Bailly, Pogba, Alexis, Lukaku, etc to gel & click as a team but if United persist with them & they come good then we'll see the best out of all of 'em, especially Alexis.
Trinityby
28
400k a week can't play for country and club try living in real world most of us do 40hr week and graft