Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Arsenal news: Arsene Wenger thought Man Utd made Alexis Sanchez mistake due to one man
ARSENAL icon Arsene Wenger reportedly thought Manchester United were making a mistake when they signed Alexis Sanchez from the Gunners back in January.
Wenger: Sanchez has lost confidence at Manchester United
Arsenal and Manchester United conducted business over Sanchez back in January, with the Chile international moving to Old Trafford in a straight swap deal involving Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
Many at the time thought the Red Devils had got the better end of the deal but, 11 months on, he is stuck in a rut.
Alexis Sanchez has scored just four goals for Manchester United since joining from Arsenal in January.
Injuries have not helped his cause but the brutal fact is he looks a shadow of his former self.
And the Independent claim Wenger, upon selling Sanchez, thought United were making a big transfer mistake.
It is claimed he was confused as to why Jose Mourinho wanted to sign the 29-year-old.
Wenger reportedly thought Mourinho and his stifling tactics was never going to get the best from Sanchez.
At Arsenal, he was crammed around players who were able to provide movement and energy.
There, Sanchez was able to exploit rival teams in a side full of energetic, enterprising players.
And the Independent say Wenger thought Mourinho misjudged Sanchez.
He reportedly believes that, at United, they are a team ill-equipped to get the best from their star performer.
Meanwhile, former Arsenal star Nigel Winterburn also thinks Sanchez does not fit United’s style.
“I didn’t think Alexis Sanchez's style of play would suit United, he’s a free spirit and you have to know how to deal with him,” he said.
Sanchez needs to leave Manchester United says pundit
"He’s got undoubted ability, but I wasn’t quite sure the way he plays would fit in to the Mourinho way.
“I look back at Sanchez for Arsenal, and there’s something not quite right with him at United, and it will be interesting to see how the situation will develop.
“It will be interesting if he stays and plays a major part for the club or whether he looks for a new challenge, but he’s not hit the level of performance from his time at Arsenal.”
Sanchez will miss United's Premier League clash with Arsenal tonight (8pm).