Jose Mourinho believes Alexis Sanchez‘s on-pitch frustrations in Manchester United‘s 4-1 friendly defeat to Liverpool was understandable given the quality of the players around him.
Sanchez appeared discouraged during the heavy defeat in the United States, as Andreas Pereira and Sadio Mane exchanged first half goals before Daniel Sturridge, Sheyi Ojo and new signing Xherdan Shaqiri ensured the rout for Liverpool.
United are still without many of their attacking players with Romelu Lukaku and Marcus Rashford yet to return following their World Cup exploits, while Anthony Martial flew home from the tour for the birth of his child.
Sanchez struggled to make an impact against Liverpool, but Mourinho jumped to the Chilean’s defence, citing a lack of attacking support as the reason for the former Arsenal forward’s lacklustre display.
“Do you want him to be very happy with the players he has around him? We are not playing here to improve the team or our dynamic or routines. We are playing here just to try to survive and to have some not-very-ugly results,” Mourinho said in a press conference after the game, according to Goal.
“Alexis is the only attacking player we have. We don’t have wingers, we don’t have strikers. He’s the only one who is here, and the poor man is there trying his best, with the frustration of somebody that wants more.
“Against Milan he played fantastically well, and he did his best here. I don’t think you are right to say he is not happy. If he is not happy he is not ready to play two consecutive matches of 90 minutes and 85 minutes working the way he worked.
“For me, these guys are phenomenal in terms of attitude and respect for the club. Really pleased with them.”
Sanchez has scored three goals in 18 appearances across all competitions for United since joining from Arsenal in the January transfer window.
United’s Premier League campaign kicks off with a home match against Leicester City on August 10 at Old Trafford.
The post ‘He is the only attacking player we have’ – Jose Mourinho mirrors Alexis frustration appeared first on Squawka News.
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