Paul Ince: 'Sanchez chose to join a bigger club'

"Everyone thinks Man Utd stole Alexis Sanchez from Man City, but clearly when you compare the two clubs, Man Utd are the bigger club. Players always want to play for a club with a rich history, that's the reality," Paul Ince toldPaddy Power"Players will not come to Man City, if they look at the history and development of the club. Things are never as simple as they seem."

The Old Trafford team was behind Man City in approaching Sanchez, but succeeded in recruiting the Chilean star. According to the revelation ofSports Mail, the former Arsenal player receives a huge income at the "Red Devils". Specifically, he pockets nearly $840,000 per week, including $490,000 in salary, $140,000 in image rights and $200,000 in bonuses.

The 2005 U20 World Cup bronze medalist received the legendary number 7 shirt at Man Utd, the number worn by George Best, Eric Cantona, David Beckham, and Cristiano Ronaldo when they played for Man Utd. Paul Ince assessed that this was a great motivation for the new player at Old Trafford to compete.

"Some people may be quick to be satisfied with winning the Premier League this season, but looking back, Man Utd are capable of coming back, with what Jose Mourinho is building," the Englishman shared. "The contract with Sanchez has confirmed that. He had the opportunity to easily win a trophy this season if he went to Man City, but Sanchez refused to choose Man Utd, a more ambitious team."

Paul Ince was a member of Man Utd for six years, a period when the club laid the foundation for its dominance in England. From a mid-table team, even on the verge of relegation, the "Red Devils" rose to become the number one team in the foggy country. Therefore, the 50-year-old player clearly understands the historical value of his former team.

"Man City have some outstanding individuals, but winning the Premier League this season doesn't mean much. They need to do it regularly like Man Utd did in the 1990s, and so far, they are not a real dominant force. That's why Man Utd are still favored," Ince analyzed. "Sanchez came to Old Trafford not just to play football, but also to show his ability to meet the requirements of the highest level of competition in the Champions League. He is a special player, and the motivation from Europe's number one arena is something for Sanchez to strive for."

Before Sanchez signed a contract with Man Utd, many people commented that the 29-year-old striker chose Mourinho's team because he was guaranteed a starting position, instead of having to compete with Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling at Man City.

"Sanchez's choice of Man Utd is like a message to rivals like Liverpool, Chelsea or Man City. It is also a way for Man Utd to declare, never underestimate this team. Man Utd will still have the players they want, despite facing fierce competition," Ince emphasized.