The fact that shows Alexis Sanchez deserved his rest

That remarkable fact is due to our no.7 being so committed to his national team, competing in various international tournaments and friendlies since 2010. 

Thankfully, this summer, Alexis was omitted from the Chile squad that faced Serbia and Poland in a pair of friendlies, allowing him to enjoy a long overdue rest.

After returning to United on Wednesday, our January signing from Arsenal is now looking forward to completing a full pre-season training camp throughout Tour 2018, presented by Aon, in the USA. 

EIGHT SUMMERS OF INTERNATIONAL ACTION

2017: After a long season with Arsenal, Alexis went all the way to the final in the Confederations Cup with Chile, before losing to Germany, playing five highly competitive matches in total. 

2016: Our no.7 competed in six Copa America Centenario fixtures in the United States, as his national team claimed the trophy for the second successive year by beating Argentina on penalties.

2015: Alexis lifted the Copa America in Chile, beating Argentina in the final via a penalty shootout. Our man sealed the win with a Panenka-style finish past his now United team-mate Sergio Romero, in his sixth tournament appearance.

2014: There was no rest at the end of the 2013/14 season, due to Chile reaching the last 16 of the World Cup, where they were knocked out by hosts Brazil. Alexis made four appearances at the tournament.

2013: Alexis contested two World Cup qualifying matches in June, securing wins against Paraguay and Bolivia (scoring against the latter).

2012: The action continued for Alexis after the conclusion of the domestic season, as Chile earned two vital World Cup qualifying victories against Bolivia and Venezuela in June.

2011: There were a couple of international friendlies to contend with, as La Roja claimed a 4-0 win over Estonia on 20 June before drawing 0-0 against Paraguay three days later.

2010: Alexis made four appearances at the World Cup in South Africa - against Honduras, Switzerland, Spain and lastly Brazil in the round of 16.

COMMENT

ManUtd.com’s Mark Froggatt…

Due to his all-action style of play, coupled with a desire to impress at a new club, our no.7 was always going to tire by the end of 2017/18 and that’s why his first full summer off in nine years arrived at the perfect time. It is amazing to think that his last uninterrupted pre-season training camp was in 2013, while he was still an FC Barcelona player.   

Jose Mourinho has previously stated we will get the best out of Alexis from this summer onwards, mainly because January is always a tricky month to sign a player in the midst of a hectic season. 

With many of our forwards set to enjoy an extended holiday, due to their exploits at the World Cup in Russia, Alexis is likely to receive plenty of playing time on tour and could even lead the line.

There is a genuine confidence that he will hit the ground running in what is a vital campaign for the club.