Alexis Sanchez will return to pre-season training two weeks early to kick-start his Manchester United career
Alexis Sanchez intends to return to pre-season training two weeks ahead of schedule in a bid to kick-start his Manchester United career, Metro.co.uk can reveal.
The Chile international has endured a largely underwhelming start to his Old Trafford career since his high-profile move from Arsenal in January.
Sanchez hinted at a return to form in the recent wins over Swansea and Manchester City but did not feature in last nights 2-0 victory against Bournemouth ahead of Saturdays FA Cup semi-final.
Uniteds first-team squad is expected to report back for pre-season in the first week of July but Sanchez has made it known he plans to return in late June to build up his fitness ahead of a tour of America.
More: Football
Manchester United | 2018 Pre-Season Fixtures
July 19: Club America v Man Utd, Arizona
July 22: San Jose Earthquakes v Man Utd, Santa Clara
July 25: AC Milan v Man Utd, California
July 28: Liverpool v Man Utd, Michigan
July 31: Real Madrid v Man Utd, Miami
Players representing their countries at the World Cup will be given an extended leave of absence but, after Chiles surprise failure to qualify for Russia 2018, Sanchez will enjoy his first extended summer break since 2013.
AdvertisementAdvertisement
Last month the 29-year-old admitted he had been disappointed with his early Manchester United performances and considered pulling out of Chiles squad for the recent friendlies against Sweden and Denmark.
Metro.co.uk can reveal club staff were surprised at how off the pace the former Barcelona forward was when he arrived from Arsenal, while Jose Mourinho has admitted United fans are unlikely to see the best of Sanchez until the start of next season.
What is wrong is that he came at the worst moment – in the winter market, Mourinho said last month.
Thats why I dont like the winter market very much. I think this was a chance that we didnt want to lose and we made it.
But we dont believe a lot in the winter market. And next season it will be better for him. But, of course, he is learning how to play with us and we are learning how to get the best out of him.
Meanwhile, the United squad travelled to London after Wednesday nights win at the Vitality Stadium and will train at Fulhams Motspur Park ahead of the weekend showdown with Spurs at Wembley.
More: Manchester United FC
AdvertisementAdvertisement
[contf]
[contfnew]
METRO
[contfnewc]
[contfnewc]