AZY TO SLAM SANCHEZ

Alexis is backed as Michael prepares to hang up boots

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MICHAEL CARRICK reckons the critics questioning Manchester United flop Alexis Sanchez are making a big mistake.

Sanchez has struggled since joining United from Arsenal in January.

But Carrick says he has been written off too quickly and has tipped the Chilean to become an Old Trafford legend.

Carrick said: “He is desperate to do well. He gives everything and he will have a great time here.

“I said when he first signed he is a Manchester United player because he suits the way we play.

“He has got that excitement, he always looks forward, he is dynamic and in the end you can judge him in the first few games or whatever, but I think over time he will be terrific.”

While Sanchez is just starting out on his United career, Carrick, 36, will retire at the end of this season and take up a position in Jose Mourinho’s coaching team.

Problem

The midfielder discovered he was suffering from a heart defect earlier this season, persuading him to hang up his boots.

He said: “I had a problem during the Burton game during the second half. I had a few tests after that and the same problem came back on the Sunday of that week in training.

“I had the procedure the following week. It took a little while to get over.

“There were some times there, for two or three days, when I wondered whether I would carry on playing or not, thinking is it worth it or not?

“But that quickly passed and I got back fit. I wanted to finish on my own terms so I was determined to get back fit. I’ve been training hard and we’ll see what happens for the rest of the season.”

In his absence Carrick has seen Scott McTominay come through to establish himself as a midfield star in the making.

The 20-year-old was yesterday picked by Scotland for their upcoming friendlies against Costa Rica and Hungary after turning down England.

He looks to be the natural successor to Carrick and is expected to line up against Sevilla in tonight’s Champions League clash at Old Trafford.

Carrick said of McTominay: “He is fantastic. He is a great lad, he is a humble lad.”