STINKER TO STONKER
Jose: Alexis just needs time to shine
JOSE MOURINHO admits Alexis Sanchez has not been good enough – but insists he’ll soon sparkle.
The Chilean (left) has struggled after moving to Manchester United from Arsenal in January. He was signed to sprinkle some stardust on a side accused of playing boring football. But the 29-year-old has scored just one goal in eight appearances and will be under pressure to deliver when United face Liverpool today. Old Trafford chief Mourinho (above) admits Sanchez has been disappointing and when asked if he was getting the best out of him, he said: “No. “What is wrong is that he came at the worst moment of the season. That’s why I don’t like the winter market very much. “I think this was a chance that we didn’t want to lose and we made a deal
to sign him, but we don’t believe a lot in the winter market. And for sure next season will be better for him.
“Of course he is learning how to play with us and we are learning how to get the best out of him.”
Sanchez has been accused of trying to do too much on his own, but Mourinho insists this is a good thing and that he has no problem with the star’s attitude.
The United boss added: “That’s something that we can develop – and we’re going to develop with time, with experience and living these experiences together.
“I don’t consider that a weakness, I consider that a huge potential to be developed.
“It’s great that he’s not afraid to take responsibilities, not afraid to try to make things happen.
“When he feels that he’s not as dangerous as he likes to be, he drops back.
“He tries things, tries to come to building up areas. When he makes mistakes he tries to compensate immediately the mistakes with fantastic spirit, with a great transition to try to win back the ball.
“He’s fine. He’s happy that the team is getting results.
“Lately he was unhappy when we lost matches with him, but he’s a guy with great maturity and attitude and we couldn’t be happier.”