Manchester United winger Alexis Sanchez will be up against his former side Arsenal when the Gunners visit Old Trafford for an intriguing Premier League clash on Sunday and Phil Jones has insisted the Chilean will not be lacking for incentive to perform against the North Londoners.
“Not so much at home. I think, if it was away at the Emirates, it might be a bit different,” Jones replied when asked by MUTV if he felt it would be weird for Sanchez to face off against his former side.
“Going back to a place where he’s very fond of, knows the pitch well and the fans well.”
Sanchez became a villain for many Arsenal fans for crossing the great divide in January and so far, he’s impressed only intermittently for United.
Reportedly the league’s highest earner, Sanchez has scored just thrice since arriving at Old Trafford, but his recent form has been encouraging.
“So, at home, it’s a little bit different but he will still get that added incentive to try to put one over on them.”
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Despite the fact that neither of the rivals are contesting for the Premier League title, the tie has extra significance as long-serving Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger will be in the opposition dugout for the final time.
And Jones called on the fans to make sure the French tactician, who took charge of the Gunners in 1996, gets the reception he deserves.
“He’s been a fantastic manager,” Jones expressedas he continued, “I’ve seen a lot of things in the press at the moment and it’s true. He changed the game of football and the way teams like to play.”
“He’s managed some terrific Arsenal teams over the years, that I’ve grown up watching, and he should be respected and get the send-off he deserves,” the English defender added.