Dimitar Berbatov’s transition from North London to Manchester was seamless.
The same can’t be said for Alexis Sanchez, who has endured a nightmare start to life with Manchester United.
Sanchez, despite being one of the best-paid players in the world, has dropped out of the starting XI for United after scoring just five goals in 37 appearances since January 2018.
Caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer displayed his first air of frustration since taking over from Jose Mourinho when he discussed Sanchez’s contribution after Tuesday’s Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.
The Norwegian said: “I can’t do anything about Alexis Sanchez. When he plays he needs to finds himself because we know there’s a quality player there.”
Berbatov was recently asked for his take on Sanchez’s struggles and the former United striker suggested that the Chilean’s shortcomings stem from over-thinking.
“Sanchez looks a bit lost on the pitch right now,” Berbatov told the Manchester Evening News.
“He’s almost trying too hard and over-complicating things, which is then leading to more mistakes. He’s been at the club for a while now and people will think he should have adapted to the team more – that’s what training sessions are for.”
In Berbatov’s worst season for United, he scored four more goals than Sanchez has managed in a full calendar year with the club.
Berbatov proved a fan favourite with his playing style, sumptuous first touch and composed finishing, leaving Old Trafford with a total of 56 goals for the Red Devils.
Sanchez could definitely do with taking a leaf out of the former Bulgaria international’s book but Berbatov doesn’t anticipate a happy ending.
He said: “Sanchez needs game time to find his rhythm but when Rashford and Martial are fit, they play, so it’s difficult for him. If he continues to over-complicate things, it’s not going to work out.”
