Alexis Sanchez wants more opportunities under Old Gunnar Solskjaer at Manchester United (Picture: Getty)

Manchester United forward Alexis Sanchez believes his recent struggles could be down to a lack of first-team opportunities under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Sanchez has managed just one goal for United in the FA Cup since Solskjaer replaced Jose Mourinho back in December and the 30-year-old has been heavily linked with a move away from Old Trafford this summer.

While United are open to letting Sanchez leave, the attacker’s £500,000-a-week wages combined with his wretched 18-month spell at United could put off any potential suitors.

However, Sanchez has returned to form while on international duty, finding the net in Chile’s victories over Japan and Ecuador to help send his side into the Copa America quarter-finals.




‘I have always had the enthusiasm to play but in England I’ve been given few opportunities lately,’ Sanchez said following Chile’s 2-1 win over Ecuador in Bahia, Brazil.

‘But I’m relaxed, because representing your country is the most beautiful thing there is.’

Sanchez is yet to win Solskjaer’s full confidence (Picture: Getty)

Chile boss Reinaldo Rueda believes a lack of close friendships at United combined with persistent injury problems could be the reason for Sanchez’s troubles.

‘It’s not easy to explain, but Alexis has come here and shown a lot of commitment and perhaps in Manchester he does not have the emotional bond he has with his team-mates here, that affection,’ Rueda said.

‘He’s had bad fortune because Manchester United have had problems for a while, so he does not have the structure he has here.

‘He has also had injuries, he’s lacked consistency, he has lacked continuity.

‘We have done brilliant work with him, we have given him a lot of warmth, which is what he needs.

‘He has a special connection with the team and the group is very fond of him.’

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