For the first summer in years, Alexis Sanchez had no international commitments and was able to get a break from the action.
Yet his form for Manchester United remains decidedly poor. Since leaving Arsenal last January for Man United, he has made 17 appearances but only scored twice and provided four assists.
For a player of his quality and earning what at the time of his signature was the highest salary in the Premier League, it's a poor return.
"He's a massive problem for them because he's not been playing well," said former Ireland winger Kevin Kilbane on the Football Show as he shared his thoughts on Sanchez and Man United after the 1-1 draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers at the weekend.
"I was down at Watford the other week and honestly, he's trying all sorts and it's not working for him.
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"Certainly on the ball, he's trying things. He's passing forward, he's risk taking with his passing but it's just not coming off for him. He almost set up a chance for Lukaku in that game, he almost set up a chance at the weekend and he actually crossed it for the goal when it was headed clear and Pogba's touch back inside. He almost set up Lukaku in that instance.
"But it's 'almost'. That's what's happening to him. He's gone from having such an influence at Arsenal for a number of years to almost having an influence. Nothing's coming off for him."
But how patient can the club be before they and the player may have to mutually cut their losses and part ways?
"It's not so much he's going to be holding his hands up, it's the club themselves that might have to just say, 'Thanks very much,'" he said.
