Why Manchester United are right in moving on from Alexis Sanchez

According to The Mirror, Manchester United have terminated their contract with Chile star Alexis Sanchez, allowing him to move on a free transfer to Inter Milan.

Sanchez, 31, came to prominence during his time with Barcelona, where he won several trophies including a La Liga title and two Spanish Super Cup titles. He was then signed by Arsenal in the summer of 2014 and played a key role in helping the Gunners win two FA Cup titles and one English Super Cup title.

The centre-forward was then involved in a transfer swoop, when he signed by Manchester United in January 2018. However, his time at United was unsuccessful and the Chilean, who made just 45 appearances for the club, was sent on loan to Inter Milan last August.

Sanchez was surplus to the requirements at Manchester United

In his one and a half seasons at Old Trafford, the former Barcelona man managed to rack up just 5 goals and 9 assists. He failed miserably at United and it is the right decision by the club to terminate his contract as he has been in decent form with Inter.

At the moment, United have three centre-forwards in their ranks. Anthony Martial has been in sensational form and has enjoyed one of his most productive campaigns since his arrival in 2015. The Frenchman has scored 22 goals across all competitions this term.

Apart from him, Mason greenwood and Odion Ighalo have also done well whenever they were called to action. Young Greenwood has enjoyed his first full season with United and has been a regular in the last few months. And Ighalo, despite not getting enough opportunities, has been crucial for the club on several occasions.

Thus, terminating Sanchez’s contract is the best decision United have taken. Keeping at the club would also just make them waste their resources due to his high-wage structure. Given United’s forwards are in their best form, Sanchez would have eventually ended up on the bench. But with Inter, he has been starting regularly and has already scored 4 goals and provided 9 assists.

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Verdict

The Chile international, who had a £500,000-a-week contract with United, never lived up to the expectations at Old Trafford and seems surplus to their requirements. Thus, this decision could be good for both the club and the player himself as he could revive his career in Italy.