Manchester United forward Alexis Sanchez has admitted that he’d have liked to see his club bring in more world-class players during the summer transfer window.
United ended the window having signed goalkeeper Lee Grant from Stoke City, Diogo Dalot from FC Porto and Brazilian midfielder Fred from Shakhtar Donetsk.
Manager Jose Mourinho admitted that he’d like to have added two players on top of that, with United linked with a number of centre-backs towards the end of the window.
But no deal was forthcoming and, in an interview with ESPN Brasil, Sanchez has claimed that he would have preferred United to do more business this summer and also added that he’s been impressed with Fred since he arrived at the club.
“I would have liked that they had signed many more world-class players. But it’s the club’s decision.
“The truth is that (Fred) impressed me a lot in his first game.
“It’s what the team lacked — someone who plays ‘jogo bonito,’ as they say in Brazil. And Andreas Pereira too. I think they are two players who have quality and they could help me a lot.”
Sanchez arrived at United in January but struggled to showcase his best football during the second half of the season. But having had a full pre-season under Jose Mourinho, the Chilean claims that he is raring to go ahead of the new campaign.
“Today I am more comfortable. I am calm. My teammates have to be focused. I also have to. I depend on them. If they are well, me too.”
Where will Sanchez play for United this season?
Sanchez was often used in a role just behind main striker Romelu Lukaku last season and Jose Mourinho believes he is capable of filling several roles across the front line.
With Lukaku not able to take part in pre-season with United this summer, Sanchez was often used as the main striker on the clubs’ tour of the US.
Asked what he believes is his best position, Sanchez said: “Close to the goal to score. In general, I like to always be in contact with the ball.”
“I’ll give my best no matter what’s going on” – Paul Pogba
Paul Pogba posted a cryptic message after helping his side defeat Leicester City 2-1 on the opening day of the 2018-19 Premier League season
Pogba, 25, arrived at United for £89 million in the summer of 2016 for a then record-breaking fee which has been subsequently eclipsed by the likes of Neymar and Philippe Coutinho, both of whom were sold for nine-figure sums.
The 25-year-old was largely praised for his performances during France’s World Cup-winning campaign in Russia, scoring in the final against Croatia. However, Jose Mourinho, who also publicly criticised Pogba last season, said the midfielder “started average and ended top” and suggested he would struggle to sustain the same level of concentration over an entire league season.
This has led to rumours that a rift has opened up between the United manager and the France international, with Barcelona reported to be serious about recruiting him before the European transfer deadline closes at the end of August.
During Pogba’s first game back for the Red Devils, he found the net from the penalty spot as well as putting in an accomplished performance before being replaced by Marouane Fellaini in the last ten minutes.
After the match, Pogba emphasised his commitment to his fans and his teammates on Twitter, while also suggesting there is an issue behind the scenes.
“I’ll always give my best to the fans and my teammates no matter what’s going on,” the tweet read.