In a column for bookmakers Paddy Power, former Inter and Manchester United midfielder Paul Ince has spoke on how important this coming Summer is for Alexis Sanchez.
The Chilean national team attacker joined Inter on loan from Manchester United this past Summer but has failed to live up to expectations and the player is currently facing an uncertain future.
“This is a make or break summer for Alexis Sanchez. He’s had two moves in a row that have really not gone well. He’s had two seasons of just not playing. Your career goes by so fast, you can’t waste it like that,” he began the column.
Ince then went on to suggest that West Ham United could be a good next destination for Sanchez, who he believes still has something to offer despite his recent poor form.
“If someone can get him in and play him in the right position, you’ve still got a great player in there. If that’s West Ham, who can build their team around him, then it’s a great piece of business.
“Wherever he goes, he has to be playing week-in, week-out. Not just to justify his wage, but for his own career and I am certain that he is desperate to play. I’ve watched him a lot, and it was never for a lack of trying that things didn’t work.”
Ince proceeded to discuss Sanchez’s clear desire to play football and his personality.
“Some players are happy to count their money, but that’s not Sanchez. He plays with determination and passion, he clearly loves playing football.
“I know there’s talk about him being a bit of a loner, but that’s fine. Some people are like that. It’s about what happens on the pitch, and you can see he’s always trying the right things when he plays.”
In conclusion Ince refused to rule out the possibility that Sanchez could well turn his career around with Manchester United based on his experience as a manager.
“I wouldn’t rule out Sanchez going back to United and being a key part of their team next season. Football is a funny old game.
“I’ve been in the situation as a manager where I’ve thought ‘right, I’m going to get rid of him and him’ but when it comes to it you can’t get the deal done, so they stay at the club.
“Then pre-season comes around and they’re a totally different player to the season before, and they’re your key man the next season.
“So Sanchez could definitely go back to United, look fantastic in training, and bang suddenly he’s important to their plans after all.”
This season the 31-year-old has been on the pitch for just 596 minutes which have been spread across 15 appearances across all competitions in which he has scored one goals and tallied three assists.
