Manchester United Board Regret Signing Alexis Sanchez, Giggs Reacts

Manchester United’s board members have regretted signing Alexis Sanchez from Arsenal in January, according to El Pais.

The Red Devils swooped in to capture Sanchez ahead of rivals Manchester City in the winter window, in a move that saw Henrikh Mkhitaryan joining the Gunners.

Since moving to United, the 29-year-old has not yet made a huge impression on the team, having scored just once in seven appearances in all competitions.

The club’s hierarchy feel that the player would have been much cheaper in the summer, when his contract at Arsenal expired.

In addition, it is believed that sections of the club have questioned his high wages amid concerns of unrest within the squad, in particular Paul Pogba, who allegedly wants a pay rise.

They are also not comfortable with Sanchez’s age, with the feeling that the Chilean only has a few years left at this level.

Meanwhile, Giggs, United’s most decorated player in history, says Sanchez is a ‘top player’ who will soon begin to thrive in his new surroundings. ‘He’s a top player,’ Giggs told Sky Sports.

‘He’s only scored one goal so far, so I’m sure he’d want to do better than that, but I think he’s done okay.

‘His team-mates are still trying to find out what he likes, what he doesn’t like, the dynamics of the team. Sometimes it fits straight away, sometimes it takes a bit of time.

‘I don’t think anyone should be worried about Alexis Sanchez, he’s a top, top player.’

United have endured a difficult few weeks and last week’s goalless draw against Sevilla in the Champions League came after the side lost two of their last three league games.

But the Red Devils secured a vital win over top-four rivals Chelsea on Sunday and Giggs believes his former side have all-but guaranteed their place in next season’s Champions League.

‘Obviously it was a big win at the weekend, I think that more or less secured that top-four space,’ the Wales legend said.

‘But it changes all the time. They’ve got Liverpool in a couple of weeks, that’s a big game.

‘They’re looking good. If they secure top four, if they have a good run in the Champions League and win the FA Cup, it’s a step forward again from last year.

‘I think everyone recognises how difficult it is with City performing so well this year. I think you’ve got to do as well as you can this year, try and win a trophy, get in the Champions League and then build from that going into next year.

‘Obviously every United fan will be hoping that we challenge for the league a little better than we did this year.’

United travel to Selhurst Park on Monday evening to face relegation-battlers Crystal Palace.