Gary Neville has wholly rejected claims that money is the only reason why Alexis Sanchez would choose to move to Manchester United.
Sanchez is at the centre of a January tug-of-war between United and arch-rivals Manchester City, with the former reportedly taking the lead in the race for his signature.
The Arsenal forward’s contract at the Emirates is up at the end of the season and the Gunners would be willing to part ways with Sanchez this month on the cheap rather than let him leave for free in the summer.
According to reports, City were prepared to offer £20 million for the Chile international’s services but United settled into the deal’s driving seat by offering £5 million more than their noisy neighbours, as well as a greater wage packet which might persuade Sanchez to turn down the chance to work with Pep Guardiola again.
Sky Sports’ Guillem Balague has summed the deal up by insisting that Sanchez’s choice essentially boils down to either a reunion with Guardiola or a healthier bank balance.
On Alexis. City don't want to spend more than £20m. They have been told the player wants to play for Pep. But United will pay Arsenal/player more. Suggesting City will not bid for him is a way to put him under pressure -Pep or money, Alexis? pic.twitter.com/N7UWaaThQk
— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) January 12, 2018
Well Red Devils legend Gary Neville is not, for one second, having that reductionist summary of Sanchez’s options.
Neville took to Twitter to call out Balague’s assessment, reminding him that United have the more illustrious history and that money is not all that they would offer the 29-year-old.
You calling United Money Guillem? That’s twice today.. City have been wonderful this season but United did win 2 trophies last year and over the long term are a slightly bigger club 😉 https://t.co/aMXvfEs03b
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) January 12, 2018
Balague attempted to clarify his stance on the matter but, again, Neville demanded answers.
No. I am not talking about the clubs, Gary. I am talking about his choice. He wants to play for Pep. But the offer from United will be preferred by his agents. So for him, it is Pep or money
— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) January 12, 2018
Is it ? Is it not City and United maybe want him and he will consider all elements in the round before making a decision ? Why is it Pep or Money ? Don’t get it? https://t.co/KxlVbPO1Kf
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) January 12, 2018
In a bid to narrow the vast difference in opinion, Balague drew on Neville’s past by offering him a hypothetical scenario involving his former manager.
But it will surprise few that Neville just wasn’t willing to change his opinion.
Imagine you had a call from, say, sir Alex. And you tell him, I’d love to play for you again. He offers you less money than, say, Arsenal. Your choice: between being under the orders of someone you love. Or go to club that offers bigger financial reward. Sir Alex or money?
— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) January 12, 2018
It’s disrespectful to City and United to be referred to as Pep ( City ) or Money ( United ). I played for Manchester United who had Sir Alex as a Manager! https://t.co/pphLWOZBY1
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) January 12, 2018
On Friday, United boss Jose Mourinho was asked about his interest in Sanchez and while he remained predictably non-committal, he did hail the quality of the former Barcelona and Udinese player.
“I don’t think it is ethical or correct to be speaking about players of other clubs,” Mourinho said.
“If somebody speaks about one of my players, to say we are interested or not I wouldn’t be very happy.
“Sanchez is an Arsenal player. I don’t know but probably this weekend he is going to wear Arsenal colours. I don’t think it is correct to say things about Alexis Sanchez.
“At a general level, what I can say is that myself and the Manchester United board, we do not believe a lot in the January market. We don’t believe in signing a player just to do something.
“What we believe is there are some players in the football world where, if you have a chance to sign them, whether it is in January, March or July, then you have to try.
“In relation to Sanchez all I can say, which everyone else says, is that he is a phenomenal player. I feel I shouldn’t say much more than this.”
