Solskjaer: Alexis needed this loan move
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed the thinking behind Manchester United allowing Alexis Sanchez to join Internazionale on loan for the remainder of the season.
The Chilean's move to Milan was announced on Thursday evening, and the United legend believes it is the right step for both the out-of-form forward and the club.
"I think Alexis needed to go," explained Ole. "As we know, he’s been here for 18 months and it’s not really worked out for him. For him, to restart and get himself playing regularly and scoring goals, that will only benefit everyone. For us, we’re going to watch every weekend to see Alexis and Romelu [Lukaku] playing together."
Lukaku joined the Nerazzurri in a permanent deal on the final day of the Premier League transfer window, and will link up with his former team-mate Alexis once more in Italy, as the former Arsenal man looks to recapture the consistency he displayed during his best years in England's top flight.
"I think it will come good for him," Solskjaer continued. "For us, we had a decision to make here and I’m trusting Anthony [Martial], Marcus [Rashford] and Mason [Greenwood] to be our centre-forwards.
“We’ve got wingers in [Tahith] Chong, Dan James, Andreas Pereira - we’ve got loads of options. For me it’s time for our younger boys to feel that pressure and responsibility and be more robust, and to know, ‘Okay, I might have to play five games in a row’.
“That’s another responsibility and that’s something we are looking forward to at this club, and I trust the fitness coaches and medical staff. [Because of] what we’ve done in pre-season, we are more mentally and physically ready for that challenge. That’s the next step for our young players.”
Greenwood has been involved in all three games so far this season, while Rashford, Martial and James have all begun the campaign in smart fashion, scoring two goals each.
Alexis's time at United has so far comprised 45 appearances and five goals, the last of which came in January's fourth-round Emirates FA Cup win away at his former club Arsenal.
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