Alexis Sanchez is eager to get back to form and it could be positive news for Antonio Conte. The 30-year old has already made future plans to make his loan move to Inter permanent and doesn’t want to return to Manchester United, according to a report by the Mirror.
The Chilean moved from Arsenal to United in January 2018 but has failed to demonstrate his known qualities under either Jose Mourinho or Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, scoring just twice in all competitions last season. (via Whoscored)
The 30-year-old still has two years remaining on the contract he signed upon joining Manchester United in January last season but the Mirror reports that he has future plans to remain at Inter Milan beyond this season.
However, that decision may well be out of Sanchez’s hands, as Inter’s loan deal doesn’t include an option to buy the forward permanently at the end of the season.
Inter Milan are also likely struggle to pay the Chile international’s wages in full, with United still paying Sanchez £300,000 of his £400,000 per week salary during his time in Milan.
Inter remain open to signing Sanchez on a permanent deal next summer but are unwilling to pay him more than £150,000 a week, meaning he would have to take a £250,000 a week pay cut. Not sure he would ever get used to that.
The former Barcelona and Arsenal man will also need to ensure he impresses on the pitch having scored just five goals during his time at United. (via Whoscored)
Sanchez hasn’t yet made an appearance for his new club as he works on his fitness after recovering from an ankle injury sustained during this summer’s Copa America. His imminent return has seen every bookmaker slash their odds on Inter winning Serie A this season.
While United fans might be indifferent about this, the decision made by Alexis Sanchez could ultimately be one that reignites a positive tone for his future at Inter Milan – should all things go as planned.
Positives for Inter Milan
Inter Milan would be big winners should they find a way to make Sanchez’s loan deal permanent. The obvious fact being that they would be signing a wounded lion (one we know the extent of his powers) who is eager to impress and get back to blistering form once again.
At least his statement after his country’s draw against Argentina would be something Conte must have been happy to hear following a disappointing time at United
“The truth is that I am very happy. I hadn’t played in two months, I have to get back fit, but I come back with the desire to play in Italy and also to improve,” he told reporters following the match.
“The fact that we played on a par with Argentine makes me happy. The team’s performances leaves me satisfied and also the fact of seeing new players perform too.”
The 30-year-old concluded: “I go back to Italy with the same desire I have always had. The goal is to fight for a place and for everything that comes in the future.”
While at Manchester United, it did look like he was done with football and looked like he didn’t care about his future on many occasions. To see him back hungry and raring to go is good news for Inter.
The unstoppable players are usually the ones with points to prove and Alexis Sanchez has lots of them at the moment. It could mean a more hungry, energetic and hardworking Alexis Sanchez, much closer to the version of the Chilean we knew at Arsenal.
Positives for Alexis Sanchez himself
Sanchez might be 30 already but there is still time to salvage something out of his career (at least to make it end on a good note). The decision to stay at Inter Milan might be the factor that rekindles his lost form he failed to deliver while at Manchester United.
Sanchez knows he has to work hard to get a good call from Antonio Conte and that will keep him on his toes with the eye of always looking to make a good performance.
If Sanchez hits anything close to his form at Arsenal and replicates it for Inter Milan, then Maurizio Sarri and his Juventus army should be really scared for the future.
In a nutshell, no faster way to get back to top form than giving yourself a challenge. And Alexis Sanchez has done just that.
Also the fact that himself and Lukaku (both United rejects) will be teammates could be another plus as the latter was instrumental in Sanchez’s loan move to the Serie A side.
They’ll be able to spur each other on and channel that energy to show Solksjaer what he has missed out on. An Alexis Sanchez in full gear is scary enough on its own but to imagine both Lukaku and Sanchez in full stride can be really devastating (for opposition opponents that is).
Finally, he will be playing in an atmosphere where he’s wanted after a report by the Mirror even suggested that United players were happy to see the Chilean leave in the first place. If your own teammates are not on your side, it’s no surprise Sanchez wasn’t able to make an impact while at Old Trafford.
A friendly and supporting atmosphere could be the extra deciding factor in the scenarios that can see Sanchez rise back to top form.
Conclusion
It’s obvious Alexis Sanchez is no longer wanted at Manchester United and he couldn’t have made a better decision by opting to do everything in his power to make his loan move to Inter permanent.
At 30, he’s running out of time to make things happen and a less hostile atmosphere would do him well to rediscover his Midas touch.
Also the fact he’ll be playing Champions League football once more (especially against his former side Barcelona in the group stage) will be more than enough motivation for him to remind the footballing world what we all know he’s capable of doing.
Whichever way you look at it, this website feels the Chilean has taken a bold and positive step for his future that could benefit Inter Milan and also the player himself.
