Manchester United have announced that Alexis Sanchez and Chris Smalling will finish the Serie A season on loan in Italy.
The Red Devils had great expectations for Sanchez after they beat Manchester City to sign him from Arsenal in January 2018. Unfortunately, the Chilean turned out to be a total flop and he was shipped out to Inter Milan last summer.
Meanwhile, Smalling has impressed Roma boss Paulo Foncesca during his loan spell at the Stadio Olimpico, as he has made two interceptions per game, completed 4.7 clearances on average, scored row goals and provided one assist so far (WhoScored).
Although both deals were expected to expire at the end of June, the Serie A campaign has been rescheduled to conclude in August as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
According to Manchester Evening News, both players are considered surplus to requirements at Old Trafford and will likely be on their way out of the door almost immediately after they return in August.
Who should United sell?
Alexis Sanchez
Chris Smalling
Recent reports have revealed that Roma plan to sign Smalling on loan with the obligation to buy him at the end of next season, which would make the move permanent, but spreads the payment over two years.
In the meantime, Sanchez has struggled with injury problems and a dramatic slump in form ever since he arrived at the Theatre of Dreams. He has reunited with his old teammates Ashley Young and Romelu Lukaku at Inter Milan and has been beset by multiple setbacks.
Although their futures will be assessed when they return to Old Trafford, it seems that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has already made up his mind.
While the manager is a fan of Smalling, he cannot offer the defeder what he wants, as the England international seeks regular game-time to stand a chance of making Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2020 squad. The Norwegian has preferred Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof as his first-choice pairing and Eric Bailly would also be above him in the pecking order.
Similarly, Solskjaer has made it clear he wants to sign a new winger, with Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho at the top of his shortlist.
Therefore, it is highly likely that their days at Old Trafford are numbered, regardless of what happens over the next few weeks.
United fans, do you think Ed Woodward should sell Alexis Sanchez and Chris Smalling this summer? Let us know in the comments below!
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