Manchester United news: Alexis Sanchez has lost his hunger, says Paul Merson

What's the story?

Former Arsenal player, Paul Merson has slammed Alexis Sanchez for his recent performances with Manchester United, insisting that the Chilean has lost his hunger.

In case you didn't know...

Sanchez was among the best players in the Premier League during his time at Arsenal and won the PFA Fans' Player of the Year accolade in 2015.

He left the Gunners to join Manchester United in January 2018 and his career has been on a decline since then. He has started in 26 Premier League games for the Red Devils thus far, scoring just three goals.

The 30-year-old's often been left out of the United starting XI by new manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, despite being the highest paid player in the Premier League.

The heart of the matter

Paul Merson told Soccer Saturday that Sanchez has all the attributes to be successful at Old Trafford but is currently lacking hunger and confidence in his game.

He said: "I hope we see the old Sanchez, but I don't see the confidence or the hunger in his eyes anymore".

"The first thought that used to come to mind when you mentioned Alexis Sanchez was that he worked his socks off, he put a shift in.

"For the quality, he possesses as a player, he works as hard as anyone, but I don't see that anymore.

"Sanchez has lost that hunger and it's a shame. It's sad because he was good."

What's next?

Manchester United will play Chelsea in the FA Cup fifth-round tie next before hosting Liverpool at Old Trafford in the Premier League on February 24.

Whether Sanchez features in either of those games remains to be seen.

Edited by Arvind Sriram