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Football

30th Sep 2018

Jose Mourinho “reprimanded Alexis Sanchez in front of entire squad” before West Ham defeat

Alexis Sanchez was dropped for Saturday's defeat to West Ham, after Jose Mourinho reportedly gave him a dressing down in front of the whole squad

Reuben Pinder

He has not been in his best form this season.

Alexis Sanchez was dropped for Manchester United’s defeat to West Ham on Saturday, with Anthony Martial taking his place in the side.

The Chilean has struggled for form this season and fans have been growing tired of his predictable play and lack of goals.

Mourinho was equally frustrated it seems. He is understood to have reprimanded Sanchez in front of his United teammates for his poor form before United took on West Ham at the London Stadium, as journalist Maks Cardenas reports.

Sanchez travelled down to London for the match but was not involved in the matchday squad. Martial took his place but was taken off after 71 minutes for Juan Mata, having failed to make an impact on the game.

Mourinho explained in his post-match press conference the decision to start Martial:

“Look for how many months are people asking for Martial, Martial, Martial and saying how Alexis isn’t playing well enough. This week it was time to agree and leave Alexis out.”

However, Mourinho then went on to berate Martial for his lack of defensive work rate.

“I want to play Martial. Something that you are asking for a long, long, long time to play Martial, I left Alexis out, and I think that Martial is not a player very, very, very focused on his defensive duties,” he added.

With so many of United’s biggest players misfiring and the atmosphere grew more toxic with every underwhelming performance, the clock could be ticking for Mourinho.

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