Alexis Sánchez was forced to miss the start of Manchester United’s summer tour of the United States due to a “personal administrative issue”, though the club hope he can join José Mourinho’s squad at some point in the 15-day trip.
A United spokesperson said: “Alexis Sánchez did not travel due to a personal administrative issue.”
While Sanchez could yet take part in the five-match tour, his absence is a blow considering Chile were not in the World Cup in Russia and the 29-year-old has had a rare close-season off.
Having signed Sánchez last season in the January transfer window, Mourinho has stressed that his best performances for United would come in the coming campaign with the benefit of having a full pre-season with the squad.
Meanwhile it appears that Daley Blind’s career at Old Trafford is over after United agreed a £14m fee for him to return to Ajax. Blind, 28, was signed by Louis van Gaal in 2014 but fell out of favour after Mourinho’s arrival.
A return has been understood to be on the cards for some days and on Monday night United tweeted: “MUFC has agreed terms with Ajax for the transfer of BlindDaley. A further announcement will be made in due course.”
United’s opening game of the tour is in Phoenix on Thursday at 7pm local time against Club América.