Alexis Sanchez struggling at Manchester United wasn’t his fault, implies Pep Guardiola
Pep Guardiola has admitted that Alexis Sanchez cannot be blamed for his spell at Manchester United after the Chilean left for Inter Milan. The 30-year-old joined the Nerazzurri on a 10 month loan spell with no option to make the move permanent, giving the Red Devils a chance to eventually cash in.
With Alexis Sanchez returning from the Copa America with a hamstring injury, it prevented the 30-year-old from taking part in either Manchester United’s pre-season friendlies or the first three games of the Premier League season. But even if he was fit, reports have revealed that the Chilean would have never even made the bench.
However, Guardiola, who tried to sign Sanchez before he joined Manchester United, has revealed that it wasn’t the Chilean’s fault that he struggled. The Spaniard further went on to add that the Sanchez’s struggles were not down to just Sanchez himself, with various other issues also playing a role.
"I know him (Sanchez). We worked together in Barcelona. I have a special affection for him as a player, of course, but especially as a human being. He's an incredible, humble guy and a fighter. So now he decides to move to Italy with one of the greatest teams in Europe with Inter right now, incredible manager with Antonio Conte and I'm pretty sure they are going to do well,” said Guardiola reports TOI.
"Because the way I think Inter plays, is perfect for him. Play close to (Romelu) Lukaku and in this position I think he is going to have a good period in Milan. Football clubs don't depend on one player. You judge it was a failure for just Alexis, but there are many reasons.
“Quality is there, it is always there. It happens for many reasons. It is not only for one player that doesn't work with one team. They don't play alone, it's not tennis, it's not golf. There is not one player in the Premier League that said this player is not good,” concluded the Manchester City boss.