Alexis Sanchez tipped to thrive at Inter Milan by Guardiola – but Solskjaer won’t close the door at Man Utd

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola believes Alexis Sanchez will thrive at Inter Milan following his loan move from Manchester United.

The Chilean joined the San Siro club on Thursday on a season-long loan, linking up with Romelu Lukaku who made a permanent move earlier in the month.

Can Sanchez succeed at Inter? Five things to know…

• Alexis Sanchez has joined Inter Milan on a season-long loan from Manchester United.
• The Chilean struggled in his 18 months at United, scoring just five goals in 45 games.
• Sanchez will link up with Romelu Lukaku, who also left Man Utd for Inter Milan this summer.
• Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola believes Sanchez will thrive in Italy.
• And United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has refused to shut the door on Sanchez’s returning to his squad next season.

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Sanchez initially signed for Manchester United in January 2018 but has struggled to find the form that saw his transfer from Arsenal met with delight.

The forward scored just five goals and recorded nine assists in 45 games for United and was yet to feature under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer this season.

But Man City manager Guardiola, who worked with Sanchez at Barcelona, believes the 30-year-old will re-find his form in Italy.

“I know him (Sanchez). We worked together in Barcelona. I have a special affection for him as a player, of course, but especially as a human being,” he told reporters.

“He’s an incredible, humble guy and a fighter.

“So now he decides to move to Italy with one of the greatest teams in Europe with Inter right now, incredible manager with Antonio Conte and I’m pretty sure they are going to do well.

“Because the way I think Inter plays, is perfect for him. Play close to Lukaku and in this position I think he is going to have a good period in Milan.”

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Solskjaer won’t close door on Sanchez return

With Sanchez’s loan deal not including an option to buy, the Chilean will officially return to Old Trafford at the end of the season.

By that time, Sanchez will be 31 and his future could become more clear, depending on his performances in Italy.

And Solskjaer has refused to rule out Sanchez remaining a United player next season.

“Yeah, definitely,” he replied when asked whether Sanchez could play for United again.

“This is a loan for a year. Chris [Smalling]’s deal is a loan for a year. We expect them to be professional and to go and represent United as well. We want them to do well.

“I had a chat with [Sanchez] and for me, if I can’t guarantee regular football for him, it’s better for the two of us that he goes and plays in Italy and shows what we know he’s capable of.

“But I could not guarantee him that here.

“I’m sure we will see Alexis back. We just hope he plays regular football for a year. Then he can find his form.”