“I Wish I Joined Man City Instead of Man United – I Regretted My Decision”
Football is a game of choices. For players, those choices often revolve around career-defining decisions that can shape their legacy. Sometimes, the glitz, glamour, and allure of one club overshadow another, even when the latter may have been the better fit. For one South American football star, the decision to join Manchester United over Manchester City is one he now looks back on with regret.
At the time, it seemed like the perfect move. United’s global stature and history of success were undeniable. The chance to follow in the footsteps of legends and play at the iconic Old Trafford was a dream for many. But what seemed like the ideal choice soon became a tale of frustration, disappointment, and, ultimately, regret.
In January 2018, Alexis Sanchez made headlines when he swapped Arsenal for Manchester United in a high-profile deal. The Chilean winger had become one of the Premier League’s standout players during his time in London, dazzling fans with his flair, energy, and goal-scoring ability. His transfer saga was the talk of the footballing world, with both Manchester clubs vying for his signature.
Manchester City, managed by Pep Guardiola, were reportedly the frontrunners for Sanchez. Their attacking style of play, the influence of Guardiola, and the team’s dominant form in the league made them an attractive destination. However, Manchester United swooped in with a financial package that was hard to refuse. Sanchez became the highest-paid player in the Premier League, earning a reported £500,000 a week, a deal that showcased United’s financial might.
Reflecting on the decision, Sanchez admitted that the lure of City’s footballing project should have outweighed the financial incentives offered by United. “Looking back, I wish I had joined Manchester City instead,” he confessed. “They were a team playing beautiful football, challenging for every trophy, and under Guardiola, I feel I could have reached another level in my career.”
A Move That Never Took Off
Sanchez’s time at Manchester United was marred by inconsistency and injuries. Despite a promising debut against Yeovil Town in the FA Cup, where he provided an assist, his overall contributions failed to meet the lofty expectations placed upon him. In 45 appearances for United across all competitions, Sanchez managed just five goals—far below the standard he had set at Arsenal.
The winger struggled to adapt to United’s system, which lacked the fluidity and attacking cohesion he had thrived in under Arsène Wenger at Arsenal. Under José Mourinho’s pragmatic approach, Sanchez often found himself isolated on the wings or misused in a system that didn’t play to his strengths.
“I wasn’t happy with how things unfolded,” Sanchez admitted. “I felt like I lost my confidence. At City, I would have been surrounded by players who were operating at their peak, and the style of football would have suited me perfectly.”
What Could Have Been at Manchester City
Under Pep Guardiola, Manchester City were building something extraordinary. The team’s attacking philosophy, quick transitions, and technical brilliance on the ball made them one of the most exciting teams in Europe. Sanchez, who had worked under Guardiola during their time at Barcelona, believed he could have thrived in such an environment.
“Pep knows how to get the best out of his players. He knows how to build a system that allows you to express yourself while still being part of a cohesive unit. I think I could have contributed to City’s success and played some of my best football under him,” Sanchez said.
At City, Sanchez would have joined a star-studded attack featuring players like Kevin De Bruyne, Raheem Sterling, Sergio Agüero, and Leroy Sané. The team went on to win the Premier League that season, breaking records along the way, and it’s not hard to imagine Sanchez playing a pivotal role in such a dominant squad.
Lessons Learned from Regret
For Sanchez, the decision to join United over City serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing footballing ambitions over financial incentives. “Sometimes, you make choices thinking they are the right ones for your future, but they don’t always turn out as you expect,” he reflected. “I learned a lot during my time at United, even if it wasn’t what I had hoped for. But if I could go back, I would choose differently.”
After leaving United, Sanchez found a new lease of life at Inter Milan, where he played a supporting role in helping the club win Serie A. While he rediscovered some of his form in Italy, the regret of what could have been in Manchester still lingers.
“I’ll always respect Manchester United and the fans who supported me during my time there. But I can’t help but wonder what might have happened if I had gone to City. Sometimes, it’s not just about the money or the name of the club; it’s about the system, the players, and the manager who can bring out the best in you.”
A Cautionary Tale for Future Transfers
Sanchez’s story is a cautionary tale for players making career-defining decisions. It highlights the importance of considering factors beyond financial incentives—such as the playing style, the manager’s philosophy, and the long-term vision of the club.
For Manchester United, Sanchez’s signing was a high-profile gamble that ultimately didn’t pay off. For Sanchez, it was a move filled with promise that ended in regret. But as he continues his career, he hopes younger players can learn from his experience and make choices that align with their footballing ambitions, not just their bank accounts.
