Has Alexis Sanchez lost his drive? Under-fire Manchester United striker returns from restaurant to a smashed-up Range Rover

ALEXIS SANCHEZ might find it even more difficult now to defend himself against claims he has lost his drive.

The Manchester United striker has been stuck in the low gears since his long-awaited switch from Arsenal in the January transfer window.

And it seems it is not just his pride that has been dented.

The Chile superstar surveyed the damage on his bashed-in Range Rover after he strolled back from eating with friends and family at a popular Italian restaurant.

And in fact, just as many say United have been weaker in attack since Sanchez joined, his car too was damaged at the front.

Sanchez, dressed in dark trousers and a three-quarter-length coat, appeared more stylish in the street than he has on the field for the past two months.

And the 29-year-old will hope both his problems - his form and car - will be fixed quickly.

He popped out for a meal today after being an unused substitute as United beat Brighton 2-0 in the FA Cup quarter-finals yesterday.

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And his choice of Cheshire eaterie was just the same as United keeper Sergio Romero, who was a stand-out stand-in against the Seagulls.

The Argentinian made two top-class saves when Brighton had four decent chances to cancel out Romelu Lukaku's opener.

Nemanja Matic later headed United's late second goal to leave Romero well satisfied with his afternoon's work.

The clean sheet seemed to have left Romero in relaxed mood as he went for his lunch in a blue cap, sweatshirt, tracksuit bottoms and white trainers.

The 31-year-old was at the Cibo restaurant in Wilmslow later in the day than Sanchez.

But it is his his status at Old Trafford that will have improved a notch or two after yesterday.

Romero had previously played only a handful of games in his three years since signing from Monaco.