Rio Ferdinand has angered several Manchester United fans with his advice for Alexis Sanchez.
Sanchez is expected to leave Arsenal this month so that the North London club can recoup some money for their wantaway forward, rather than allow him to leave for free in the summer.
Manchester City were believed to be favourites to sign the Chile international thanks to their position in the Premier League and the relationship Sanchez already has with manager Pep Guardiola.
But United suddenly established themselves as front-runners after reportedly offering more money to both the Gunners and the player himself.
"Why is it Pep or Money?" https://t.co/tSmLs5MY4H
— JOE (@JOE_co_uk) January 13, 2018
Red Devils legend Gary Neville became embroiled in a passionate back-and-forth with Sky Sports pundit Guillem Balague on Friday night as he took umbrage with the Spaniard’s reductionist opinion that Sanchez would only move to Old Trafford because of money.
Neville pointed out the difference in the illustrious histories of United and City as he claimed that his former club had a lot more to offer than financial benefits.
But one of Neville’s ex-teammates believes Sanchez would be smart to pick City over Jose Mourinho’s side.
Rio Ferdinand has suggested that the wise option for Sanchez would be a reunion with Guardiola at the Etihad.
“I was having this discussion with my old mates yesterday and today,” Ferdinand told BT Sport.
“If he has an option now to go from Arsenal to Mancester City or Manchester United, as a footballer who wanted to win trophies and be judged on trophies, Manchester City looks like the place to go.
"Manchester City looks like the place to go for him."
"That looked like it hurt." 😱
"When we get to the break, I'm going to speak to the lady and ask for some tissues." 😂@rioferdy5 on Alexis Sanchez's future… ️👀 pic.twitter.com/tWlwZSKwPN
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 13, 2018
“They are top of the league and going to win the league this season. They are in the Champions League, they look like they will be in the final of the League Cup and the FA Cup as well potentially. So he’s got more opportunities to win trophies there.
“He knows Pep. He’s been with Pep and has more of an idea. If Pep wants him again now, I’m sure he’s thinking: ‘I’m going to go there second time round and do it properly this time.’
“As a professional, you’d have to say that the balance of power is starting to come back to an even keel almost and then going City’s way.
“You look at Manchester City and they’re so far ahead of everybody else, not just in points but in the way and style they play. They’re taking teams out before they even get on to the pitch.”
While Ferdinand is paid to give his opinion and has every right to say that the 29-year-old should sign for United’s fiercest rivals, supporters weren’t quite as understanding.
https://twitter.com/martin43013693/status/952286045827227648
@rioferdy5 seriously Rio? Sanchez goes to City for footballing reasons? You don't think playing at a full old trafford comes into it? So what if he could get medals this season for playing in less than half of the competitions. Hollow victories.
— Carl (@CSUN9956) January 13, 2018
@rioferdy5 Rio can’t believe you’ve just said that “Sanchez should go to Chity” don’t bump into Fergie !! He’ll have an hair dryer waiting 😬
— Telmac1999 (@Terry10121960) January 13, 2018
@rioferdy5 please don’t tell me you just backed Sanchez to the Emptihad over the Theatre?!
— Brad Mulliner (@BMulli81) January 13, 2018
So dissappointed with @rioferdy5 saying Sanchez should join City for fotballing reasons. City is just built with oil money where as united with passion. #PLTONIGHT
— Yousaf Gulzar (@YousafGulzar) January 13, 2018
https://twitter.com/BusbySnakeHips/status/952296828803932161
