Alexis Sanchez’s struggles at Manchester United highlight a career downturn that could have been avoided under better management.
The Rise and Fall of a Premier League Star
Alexis Sanchez’s move to Manchester United in January 2018 was supposed to be a blockbuster signing—one that would reignite the Red Devils’ attacking prowess. Instead, it became one of the most expensive flops in Premier League history. With just three league goals in 21 starts, Sanchez’s decline has been staggering.
According to Marvelbet insiders, the Chilean forward’s struggles weren’t just about form—they were a result of systemic mismanagement. Had he joined Manchester City instead, as was nearly the case, his career trajectory might have been entirely different.
Why Manchester City Would Have Been a Better Fit
Guardiola’s Man-Management vs. Mourinho’s Struggles
John Cross of the Daily Mirror argues that Pep Guardiola would have handled Sanchez far better than Jose Mourinho did. Guardiola’s structured, possession-based system at City could have maximized Sanchez’s work rate and creativity, whereas Mourinho’s rigid tactics stifled his natural game.
“I feel sure that City would have managed him better,” Cross stated. “Pep’s track record with technically gifted players speaks for itself.”
The Wage Dilemma and Dressing Room Tension
Sanchez’s £500,000-a-week wages became a toxic issue in the United dressing room. Players reportedly questioned why an underperforming star earned more than key figures like David de Gea and Paul Pogba. This financial imbalance created unrest, something City’s more balanced pay structure could have avoided.
The Failed Revival Under Solskjaer
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer initially expressed faith in Sanchez, but injuries and poor form made him an afterthought. With Romelu Lukaku sold and no direct replacement signed, United’s attack looked thin—yet Sanchez remained on the fringes.
Sam Wallace of The Telegraph noted:
“It’s astonishing how far he’s fallen. He was once a force of nature—now he’s a shadow of his former self.”
What’s Next for Sanchez?
Inter Milan emerged as a potential escape route, but even a loan move required United to subsidize his wages. A fresh start in Serie A could revive his career, but the damage at Old Trafford is done.
Key Takeaways from Sanchez’s United Nightmare
- Mismanagement Matters: Tactical fit and man-management are crucial for elite players.
- Wage Structure Impacts Morale: Overpaying a single player can destabilize a squad.
- Timing is Everything: Sanchez’s peak years were wasted in a dysfunctional system.
Conclusion: A Lesson for Future Transfers
Alexis Sanchez’s Manchester United saga serves as a cautionary tale—a reminder that even world-class talent can flounder in the wrong environment. Marvelbet experts believe his career could have taken a different path under Guardiola, proving that club culture and coaching are just as important as individual ability.
Will Sanchez rediscover his form elsewhere? Only time will tell—but for now, his United stint remains one of modern football’s biggest “what ifs.”
What do you think? Could Sanchez have succeeded at City? Share your thoughts below!
