Sanchez explains Manchester United’s return to form

Alexis Sanchez has explained that a change in atmosphere with players and fans has been a big change under new manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Solskjaer took over in December 2018 after Jose Mourinho left the club following a poor start to the season, and having fallen out with Ed Woodward over transfers.

Sanchez was reportedly one of the players at odds with Mourinho before his departure and has returned to fitness after a hamstring injury. That could see him make more appearances for United after being linked with a move away to Paris Saint-Germain.

Solkjaer may be reluctant to change a winning team, with a 2-1 victory against Brighton on Saturday bringing them closer to a Champions League place, and making it seven consecutive victories since he took over - and six in the Premier League.

Sanchez explained the change by pointing out that simply winning games has lifted the mood among the players.

He said: “In the end, results in football make the difference and so we are happier than we were before.

The Chilean international also said that he had noticed a change in mood with the fans, too, who were able to encourage the players to improve their performances.

“It’s not only on the pitch. In the stands, I see an even better atmosphere at Old Trafford.

“The fans trust us more and that’s very positive for ­everyone. It helps you to keep on ­improving.”

Manchester United take on Sanchez’s former club Arsenal in the FA Cup fourth round on Friday, and then face Burnley in the league next Tuesday.

Sanchez now seems unlikely to leave United in the next two weeks, but there has been little indication that Woodward will add to the squad after Solskjaer’s impressive squad. With Phil Jones and Chris Smalling on active duty, that is plainly an enormous error.