Legendary Manchester United midfielder Paul Ince says Chilean star forward Alexis Sanchez made a mistake leaving Arsenal for Old Trafford.
Sanchez forced his way out of Arsenal with both United and Manchester City eager to sign him.
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The 31-year-old eventually joined United on January 2018 under Jose Mourinho, following a swap deal with Henrikh Mkhitaryan heading to the Emirates.
But after failing to make an impact at United, finding the net just three times in 32 Premier League appearances, he was sent on loan to Inter Milan.
And commenting on the move, Ince believes heading to Old Trafford was never the right move for the former Udinese and Barcelona star.
“Going to United was a mistake,” Ince, 52, told Paddy Power. “I bet Alexis wishes he’d gone to City, like he was supposed to.
“United was never, ever the right move for him; the team wasn’t settled and their style of play wasn’t conducive to him.
“And he was clearly desperate to make an impact. Look at the way Bruno Fernandes has hit the ground running at Old Trafford, that’s what Sanchez wanted, and was expected to do.
“But he didn’t get a lot of game time, he was used out of position, so when he did play he started to come deeper and deeper to get on the ball, to try and influence the game, and that wasn’t his game.”
However, the former Liverpool player stated the Chilean can still reinvigorate his career under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer next season.
“I wouldn’t rule out Sanchez going back to United and being a key part of their team next season. Football is a funny old game.
“I’ve been in the situation as a manager where I’ve thought, ‘right, I’m going to get rid of him and him’ – but when it comes to it you can’t get the deal done, so they stay at the club.
“Then pre-season comes around and they’re a totally different player to the season before, and they’re your key man the next season.
“So Sanchez could definitely go back to United, look fantastic in training, and bang suddenly he’s important to their plans after all.”
During his time at the Emirates Sanchez was one of the most lethal attackers in the division, netting 80 goals and providing 45 assists in 166 matches.
