There was a huge buzz when Manchester United beat Manchester City to the signature of Alexis Sanchez back in January. Yet it has so far not really worked out for the Chilean at Old Trafford.

Alexis has played eight times for the Red Devils. In that period, he has missed a penalty but scored the rebound and created two assists (one on his debut against Yeovil in the FA Cup). In truth, his performances have been a bit lacklustre. He certainly hasn’t contributed enough in the bigger games against Chelsea, Sevilla and Tottenham Hotspur.

Man United boss Jose Mourinho is trying his best to fit Sanchez into his team; having played him on either wing and as a number ten behind Romelu Lukaku.

The international forward is still working hard and trying to get involved but not in the areas of the field that will make an impact going forward. He may be more disciplined defensively under Jose’s instructions but that hasn’t and won’t work. When you look at the average shots per game stats in the Premier League, United are the sixth best team and Sanchez was brought in to improve that record. It’s the same story with shots on target per game.

It looks as though Jose is trying to be persistent and hoping that he can play Alexis into form but that could have an adverse affect on the creative maestro. He looks to trying too hard and he’s cutting a frustrated looking figure on the park.

Maybe the time is right for Jose Mourinho to drop his latest recruit.

By taking Sanchez out of the starting line-up against Liverpool this weekend, it sends the message to the Chilean that he needs to improve. It may also take some pressure away from him, especially if Mourinho handles it in the right way.

Plus let’s face it the Man Utd manager hasn’t been slow to drop other under performers like Paul Pogba, Anthony Martial or Marcus Rashford.

Before the arrival of the former Arsenal man, United were on a seven game unbeaten run. Things were looking good with Martial on the left, Juan Mata on the right and Jesse Lingard playing in the hole behind Lukaku. Yet when Alexis arrived that seemed to derail things and players went on a decline when Mourinho made changes to accommodate his new signing.

Losses to Spurs and Newcastle United since the turn of the year has seen Man Utd’s position in second place come under serious threat. If Liverpool beat them at Old Trafford on Saturday then Jurgen Klopp’s men will step over United in the league standings.

If Manchester United can secure a victory over their rivals then they will once again have a cushion to protect during the run-in. Third or fourth place won’t really signify progress this term in my book.

When he signed Sanchez, Jose said this:

‘He will bring his ambition, drive and personality, qualities that make a Manchester United player and a player that makes the team stronger and the supporters proud of their club dimension and prestige.’ 

So far, United haven’t really seen the best of Alexis Sanchez but I think class is permanent and he just needs time to settle in at his new club. In the end, Jose Mourinho will need to decide if he persists in starting the forward and hope he turns good sooner rather than later or take him out the firing line for a short time and hope that can kick-start his season.

Posted on March 8th, 2018 by scott
Filed under: Article