Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed that the club remain in talks with a number of teams over the departure of Alexis Sanchez.
The Chilean international played in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Sheffield United earlier this week to build up his fitness, and while Solskjaer praised his performance during the match, he has hinted that the forward could leave Old Trafford before the end of the month:
“There are still talks with some clubs. But he played in that game and he played well, so as I’ve said he’s working hard and let’s see in September what’s going to happen.”
Some supporters on Twitter believe it is inevitable that Sanchez will depart:
hes leaving…you dont talk about a key player you want to keep like this
— 90 mins (@myfootballtrial) 23 August 2019
adios
— 90 mins (@myfootballtrial) 23 August 2019
Ole's always positive to media . But behind the scenes, he's ready to sell.
— Vorapone (@vorapone) 23 August 2019
Sounds like he has his hands tied. Last week he said Sanchez was part of his plans and will play more than what we think
— Mathew Midgley (@MathewMidgley) 23 August 2019
While other fans think that the 30-year-old should stay at the club for another six months:
Keep him untill January atleast.
— Bend It Like Beckham (@Sajib816) 23 August 2019
Let him stay till jan.
— Tobi (@AroTobs) 23 August 2019
Just keep him and include him ffs we are keeping mata but offloading him
— aaron (@rashfordseason) 23 August 2019
If he played well then why you getting rid would be my question.. We're short up front and can't replace him. Daft to let him go now. January he can go if he not done out. Simple.
— wez10 (@wezwellings10) 23 August 2019
I low-key want him stay for this season
— P (@p_factorial01) 23 August 2019
Solskjaer’s comments suggest that Sanchez will leave if a club come up with a good enough offer. The Chilean’s salary will likely be a major stumbling block, and if an initial loan move is agreed, it is almost guaranteed that United will have to subsidise at least half of his wages.
Inter Milan appear to be the likeliest destination at the moment, but another team could emerge to take the ex-Arsenal player off the club’s hands.