Club not country for struggling Sanchez
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 12,000mile 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.’