Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
PREMIER LEAGUE
scored enough against the big teams,” said Cole. “When you play against Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and City, those games are naturally tighter because they’re the better teams and your chances are maybe more limited. If you get a half-chance, you have to take it.
“He’s going to take a lot of flak at United because that’s the nature of being at such a big club.
“He said he doesn’t feel he’s given enough credit but he’s got to take it on the chin because that’s what happens. You just have to get your head down.”
Another player under the spotlight at United is Alexis Sanchez, who has struggled to live up to the hype that surrounded his switch from Arsenal in January. Sanchez has scored once in eight games for United – a rebound from a missed penalty – and Cole believes the forward is trying too hard following his much-heralded arrival.
“He’s finding it difficult,” said Cole. “I think sometimes when you move to a new club you can try too hard.
“I think if you look at Sanchez at the moment, as experienced as he is, I think he’s trying a little bit too hard because he wants to show everyone how good a player he is.”
Cole, who scored 121 goals in 275 appearances for United, underwent a kidney transplant a year ago after his own was left badly damaged by a rare condition.
The 46-year-old has now become an ambassador for the Kidneys For Life charity and is passionate about raising awareness and funding following his life-changing illness.
“It’s not been as easy as I thought,” said Cole, reflecting on his own plight. “Mentally, it’s been very tough. I went in there with the mindset of treating it like being injured which you can’t do because it’s not an injury, it’s an illness.
“But I’ve come to terms with it now and I take it day-by-day.
“You manage it to the best of your ability, with the medication you get and the way you look after yourself.”