Alexis Sanchez insists he is ready to help Manchester United win trophies after going through a ‘learning period’ at Old Trafford last season. The Red Devils signed Sanchez last January in a straight swap deal with Henrikh Mkhitaryan. He scored three goals in 18 games in the second-half of the season. Sanchez admits he needed time to adapt to his new surroundings at the Theatre of Dreams but says he is now relishing the prospect of winning titles with the club.
‘I can’t remember the last time I had a break and a long vacation,’ the 29-year-old told said ahead of Friday evening’s clash against Leicester City. ‘It served me well to rest, to clear my head a little bit and get stronger for the season. ‘I’m already off to a great start. It’s been years since I’ve had a pre-season like this one, and I hope I’m in good shape to face Leicester.
‘The first four or five months were a learning period. Now I want to go all the way, I want to fight for everything. I am preparing myself mentally and physically to face all that lies ahead. ‘Now that I know my team-mates, I can focus on what I want to win. I am here to demonstrate the quality I’m here for. ‘The time has come for United to win more trophies. We need to be fighting among the best.’ Manchester United finished second in the Premier League last season and will hope to close the gap on rivals Manchester City during the 2018-19 campaign.
They face Leicester in the opening game of the new season on Friday and Sanchez wants United to get off to a flying start. ‘As Manchester United we need to press forward and have a desire to win – with the mindset that distinguishes United from others,’ the former Arsenal star added. ‘United is a big team.
Even though we have improved a lot, we need to keep improving. Now it is time to prove it, to fight for the top spots, and I think this is the season to do it.’
Alexis Sanchez has also revealed a production company is set to make a biopic based on his incredible rags to riches story.
The 29-year-old Manchester United superstar uploaded a video on his Instagram account, showing various clips of him during his childhood as well as highlights from his professional career.
Sanchez – a two-time Copa America winner with Chile – narrates the clip, as images show the Manchester United forward progressing through various stages of his life.
The footage is set to the music used in the Russell Crowe film Gladiator and features Sanchez with his dogs Atom and Humber.
He said: “This is where I took the first steps to fulfilling my dream of being a football player.
“I never stopped dreaming because life is full of opportunities.”
While the video also features the words: “The story of a boy who will do anything to fulfil his dream.”
The movie will start with Sanchez’s humble childhood in the city of Tocopilla, with casting believed to already be underway.
It is set to be filmed later this year, with the premiere to be shown during the 2019 Copa America, where the ex-Arsenal star will be looking to win the tournament for a third consecutive time.
Sanchez will feature in the biopic, with Chilean youngsters being urged to try out for the role of the young Alexis.
Local media have reported that the film will be produced by Fabula Pictures – the production company behind the Oscar-winning film ‘A Fantastic Woman’.
Alejandro Fernandez Almendra – winner of the Grand Jury Prize at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival – will direct the biopic.