'He's not the Alexis Sanchez we fell in love with at Arsenal': Former Red Devil slams Chilean's form

What's the story?

Former Manchester United defender Phil Neville has slammed Alexis Sanchez's form since arriving at Old Trafford from Arsenal, stating that the Red Devils are not getting the player they "fell in love with" at the Emirates.

In case you didn't know...

The Chilean forward joined United in a a swap deal with midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan last year in a four-and-a-half-year contract worth £14 million a year.

Since then, the former Gunners star has had a difficult time breaking into the stage that is Old Trafford, suffering under former manager Jose Mourinho, and having started only once since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer arrived as interim boss.

Sanchez was subbed in before half-time during United's Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain last night, but did not have any impact on the game.

After the game, Solskjaer said (via Sky Sports), "I can't do anything about Alexis Sanchez, when he plays, he needs to find himself, because we know there is a quality player there."

The heart of the matter

Neville has now spoken about Sanchez's stint so far, hoping that the Chilean will soon regain his lost form soon.

Speaking to Radio 5 Live, he said, "There was a 20-minute period in the second half and United didn't touch the ball and Alexis Sanchez definitely didn't."

"He's not the Alexis Sanchez we fell in love with at Arsenal. He needs a 10 or 15-game run in the team without being brought off to build his form.

"Sanchez's form has dipped so much that at the moment you look at subs to come on and make an impact, he's not the one.

"I don't think he's gone, I think he might have to re-adapt his game. I think it's confidence. He needs some love and he's the one Ole has to work on.

"If Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard are maybe out, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has to get Sanchez back in to form."

What's next?

Following their Champions League defeat, United will face Chelsea next in the FA Cup on Monday.