United needed a quality signing to improve its attacking play in the final third. With Alexis Sanchez, United got just that.
Manchester United’s search for a top-quality attacking player has come to an end. Alexis Sanchez, formerly of Arsenal, will now grace the grounds of Old Trafford.
Courtesy: TEAMTalk
Sanchez became available because the former Barcelona star was frustrated by the way Arsenal handled his contract situation. ManU was ready to oblige.
And what a coup it was! Sanchez looks to be the perfect fit for ManU in the attacking area, ball possession, and retention. He has the mobility and tenacity to create openings in the final third, and Sanchez’s ability to attack spaces in the opposition half will be a big plus for the team.
Sanchez utilizes spaces on the flank and puts in quality crosses in the opposition’s box–with an astonishing ability to twist and turn in and around the box. That talent will definitely improve Lukaku’s effectiveness in front of goal.
Sanchez also has the ability to play in a variety of attacking positions. And what impresses me most is his intelligence to line up play in the final third.
Courtesy: beinsports.com
Sanchez entry was sorely needed. Jose Mourinho had repeatedly moaned about ManU’s lack of creativity and poor finishing in the final third.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan–the man exchanged for Sanchez–was supposed to be the missing link in that regard, but he just didn’t do enough. Yes, Mkhitaryan showed signs of progress, but he never made a strong enough case to have a long-term future at Old Trafford. The Armenian midfielder struggled for gameplay in recent months at United, making just two appearances since November. Mkhitaryan’s substitution at halftime against Derby County in the FA Cup summed up his situation. Now Mkhitaryan hopes to reignite his career with the Gunners.
But while Sanchez is expected to hit the ground running, a question looms large. Where does he fit in? There are concerns that Sanchez’s arrival could threaten Anthony Martial’s place on the left. But I believe that Mourinho will find a way to accommodate both players, especially given Martial’s sensational form of late. The Frenchman gave a tremendous performance, with a sublime finish, in the 1-0 win last Saturday against Burnley.
United made a huge statement by securing the services of Alexis Sanchez. The team needed a quality signing to improve its attacking play in the final third. And, with Sanchez, ManU got just that.
