Ex-Man Utd Winger Backs Alexis Sanchez to Push for Surprise Move to Premier League Rivals

Former Manchester United winger Andrei Kanchelskis has backed Alexis Sanchez to call time on his Old Trafford tenure and return to Emery's new-look Arsenal side.

The Chilean traded Arsenal for United during last season's January transfer window, but has since struggled to display the sparkling form he did on such a regular basis under Arsene Wenger.

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Kanchelskis told bwin that Sanchez could – and possibly should – should push for a return to Arsenal, where he was the star player during his time at the Emirates and was revered by their supporters.

“Sanchez was the main man at Arsenal, but he’s just another player at United and he hasn’t been able to adapt to that," Kanchelskis said. “He was loved by the Arsenal fans and got to be their idol, which pumped him with confidence every week.

“But with other major stars around him at United, he is failing to meet expectations. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Sanchez look for a move back to Arsenal in the summer transfer window. The only issue is, will he be able to demand the same wage if he leaves Man Utd."

The 29-year-old has only notched four times for Manchester United in 30 appearances in all competitions since joining. However, after leaving Arsenal on bad terms as he refused to sign a new contract, it would be unlikely that the Emirates would be the Chilean's preferred destination should he seek pastures new.

Unai Emery's Arsenal are currently eight points clear of Mourinho's side who languish down in sixth place. With the five teams above United looking more likely to secure Champions League football for next term, it would not be out of the question for Sanchez to seek a new employer.

But, as Kanchelski pointed out, wages could be a stumbling block in any deal for the Chilean, with the winger earning a reported £500,000-a-week at United, making him far too expensive an investment for most Premier League outfits.