Alexis Sanchez admits to ‘mental exhaustion’ after difficult start to Manchester United career

He's only scored once since signing for United in January.

Moving to a big club halfway through the season can be difficult, as Alexis Sanchez has discovered. The Chilean joined Manchester United from Arsenal in January but has stumbled out of the blocks at Old Trafford, his indifferent form symbolic of his new team's current woes under Jose Mourinho. The 29-year-old former Barcelona star has managed just one goal for the Red Devils – and even that was a rebounded penalty against Huddersfield Town – while he seems to have found it difficult gelling with his new teammates. Sanchez was dropped to the bench for United's 2-0 FA Cup quarter-final win over Brighton last weekend before heading on international duty for Chile's friendlies against Sweden and Denmark. However, it seems as though he would welcome a rest. The forward posted a message on Instagram which read: "I know you are tired. I know you are psychologically and emotionally exhausted. But you have to smile and continue." https://www.instagram.com/p/BgoGKmeh49h/?utm_source=ig_embed The player this week admitted to struggling following his move to United while speaking with the Chilean media.

"The change of club was something that was very abrupt - it was the first time I've changed clubs in January - but many things have happened in my life that are difficult." "As I am self-demanding, I expected something better. After my arrival at United, it was hard to change everything very quickly. I even hesitated to come here [to Sweden]."

Chile head coach Reinaldo Rueda admitted that Sanchez had to be convinced to play for his country following recent struggles at club level. "It’s a difficult transition to go from Arsenal to Manchester United,’ Rueda said.

"He is sad because he wants to show his level. Fortunately, he arrived with a great disposition. He knows that his teammates love him and respect him. ‘In February he asked me to stay at his club, to adapt, but his passion for the team made him come here. We hope we can help him."

Sanchez will have time to recuperate over the summer after Chile failed to qualify for the World Cup. Mourinho recently admitted that United fans may not see the best of him until next season and, with a summer to recharge his batteries while many of his teammates are playing in the tournament in Russia, the hope is that he will return next season refreshed and back to his defence-terrorising best.