Jose Mourinho's defensive style is to blame for Alexis Sanchez's poor form, according to the Chilean's former youth coach.

The Manchester United attacker has started slowly this season, having not scored a single goal.

And former Chile U20 coach Jose Sulantay believes Mourinho hinders Sanchez.

He told El Mercurio: "Of course, the Champions League is an extra motivational factor for any footballer.

"But Alexis' present, I don't know if it will be fixed just because a great league comes along. I notice him being unbalanced and quite negative.

"It will be hard for him to return to his great level if he continues like this.

"And well, there's little help from Jose Mourinho's defensive game, which is based on long balls, skipping the sector where he plays.

"That should worry him. Hopefully the picture improves."