Manchester United: The best of Alexis Sanchez is yet to come

Manchester United signing Alexis Sanchez from right under Manchester City’s nose was a statement.

It was a world-class signing for United to help the Red Devils lessen the mammoth gap between them and their noisy neighbours. It was supposed to be the second coming of Robin van Persie.

The only problem was that it was not. Robin van Persie immediately hit the ground running at Old Trafford, Sanchez couldn’t. Like any January signing, he took time to adapt. He showed moments of brilliance, like in the Manchester Derby, or the FA Cup Semi Final, or when he put in solid performances against Swansea City and Huddersfield, but those are the only memories I have of Sanchez. The Chilean had a tough start to life at Old Trafford.

He divided opinion amongst fans. He received major criticism for not scoring enough and for benching the in-form, Anthony Martial. In fairness, the Frenchman wasn’t even given a run to prove himself and fight for the left-wing position. He looked frustrated at times. Alexis hogged the ball when he didn’t need to, did the extra dribble or make extra-adventurous passes. He tried too hard to make a point. Maybe it was all because of a potential burn out, both mentally and physically.

Sanchez was playing continuous football at the highest level for five years without a proper summer break. He had little breaks, but not the month-long breaks footballers need to function properly. Whether it was good or bad luck, Chile failed to qualify for the World Cup. And this allowed Alexis Sanchez to finally have a break.

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The break has done wonders for Alexis. He looks physically and mentally refreshed, and sharp. It was evident from the get-go, in his first tour game against San Jose’s Earthquakes. He missed the first game of the tour due to an issue with his visa. He opened his account against AC Milan and continued it with a goal against Real Madrid. Alexis also assisted Ander Herrera’s goal against Los Blancos.

It is not just the goals and assists either. He is positive and is not overdoing things. The Manchester United’s #7 is making fantastic runs, helping the midfielders to build play, taking people on and having that composure in the final third. It also down to a change in his role on the pitch. Sanchez played as either the striker, or the left winger in the 4-3-3 along with Martial and Mata. When Martial left to see his baby, Mourinho shifted to a 3-5-2. It did wonders for the whole team, including the Chilean.

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Alexis Sanchez started alongside Juan Mata in a front two and the pair has struck gold. The duo has developed a telepathic connection, which will only blossom in the coming months. Sanchez also has no pressure to keep the width. He basically has a free role and so far, he seems to be enjoying it to the fullest.

Going forward, we expect to see Sanchez partnered with Romelu Lukaku up top. The pair had some moments last season and will only grow stronger. Sanchez looks like he is back to his 15/16 Arsenal self and could be the match winner Jose Mourinho has been looking for.

He had Deco at Porto, Frank Lampard at Chelsea, Wesley Sneijder at Inter Milan, Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid, Eden Hazard at Chelsea and now Alexis Sanchez at the Theatre of Dreams. Don’t be surprised if Alexis Sanchez hits the 30-goal mark this season.

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