Manchester United were desperate to offload Alexis Sanchez in the summer after the Chilean’s disastrous spell at Old Trafford.

Five goals in 45 appearances, while picking up £400,000-per-week saw Sanchez become one of the worst signings in the club’s history.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wasn’t even interested in replacing Sanchez as he left for Inter Milan. United were happy to still pay the majority of his wages, too. That’s how desperate they were to get Alexis of their books.

And he’s had a pretty miserable time in Italy this season with a dislocated ankle restricting him to just a handful of appearances.

So what will happen at the end of the season?

Well, according to the Daily Star, United surprisingly want to give him a second chance.

The report states that “United have performed a stunning U-turn and decided to give Alexis Sanchez another chance to prove himself at Old Trafford.”

Apparently, the club’s executive vice chairman Ed Woodward “has told Sanchez and his agents he will not be allowed to make his loan move to Inter permanent - or join another club.”

Instead, he will be joining his United teammates on a pre-season tour and will have a chance to prove himself once again.

It will no doubt come as a surprise to United fans who must have thought they had seen Sanchez in a red shirt for the last time.

United probably could do with Sanchez right now, in truth.

Marcus Rashford has been ruled out for months and Solskajer has very little choice but to rely on the likes of Daniel James, Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood for the foreseeable future.

No wonder United are open to the possibility of welcoming Sanchez back with open arms.

To be fair, who is going to be able to afford - and want to pay - those £400,000-per-week wages?