There were similar issues with Sanchez after he joined Arsenal but they were resolved much more quickly
Martin Keown
Sanchez had a stint at No 9 in Romelu Lukaku’s absence and showed improved performance levels but was dropped for the Manchester derby, which United lost 3-1.
The player, who earns £350,000-a-week at United, reportedly fumed at his omission from the first team and criticised his team-mates’ defending after the game.
It has been a rapid decline in form for Sanchez, who averaged just under a league goal every two games in 122 appearances for Arsenal.
The Chilean did endure some tough times in north London, however, sometimes digesting the frustration of the fans’ ever-brimming anger.
Alexis Sanchez must have not started the Manchester derby through injury, says Martin Keown (Image: Getty)
Ex-Gunner Keown believes Arsenal dealt with the demanding forward better in such times, however.
“There were similar issues with Sanchez after he joined Arsenal but they were resolved much more quickly,” Keown told Daily Mail.
“He started on the right but his Arsenal career really took off once he started playing on the left.
“After that, he seemed to thrive wherever he played.”
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Alexis Sanchez was managed well by Arsene Wenger, believes Martin Keown (Image: Getty)
Alexis Sanchez scored the winner in a crucial 3-2 win over Newcastle this season (Image: Getty)
Speaking of Sanchez’s omission from the derby starting line-up despite playing well in United’s 2-1 win against Juventus, Keown added: “Injury must have been the only reason why Sanchez did not start the Manchester derby.
“We saw a big improvement from him playing through the middle against Juventus but he picked up a dead leg in that game.
“Sanchez showed in Turin he can be most effective for United in a central position.”