With the January transfer window kicking off in full swing,
many United fans are shocked to see a rather dormant transfer strategy by the
United officials. The current team is clearly in a desperate need in attacking
reinforcements, especially on the right wing. Juan Mata has been the team’s Mr
Reliable in that area for the last few matches and an inconsistent Henrikh
Mkhitarayan who is currently fighting for his Old Trafford survival with the
bare minimum chances given to him. On the other hand, Mourinho has discovered
that Jesse Lingard’s true potential doesn’t lie on the wings, but as an
attacking midfielder. Lingard has flourished in his newly found position,
racking up great statistics of 11 goals and 5 assists in all competition this
season. His game has significantly improved since that conversion. Based on all
this, United still require an experienced attacker to support Lukaku through
the right flank. Zlatan, who just recovered from a horrific knee injury, has
once again been ruled out for one month. Given his age and growing concern over
his frequent injury record and form, it is best to play it safe and start
looking for a proper replacement.
| United Have Reportedly Agreed Personal Terms With Sanchez. |
In consideration of strong reports coming in from various
sources, United are in the hunt for Arsenal and Chile forward Alexis Sanchez.
The Chilean, is not happy at the Emirates and wants to leave the club following
the arrival of Alexandre Lacazette, no Champions League football and lack of
titles. Manchester City are also keeping strong interest in the attacker but, aren’t
confident of securing his signature due to his asking price and high wage
demands. However, if we think realistically, City don’t need another attacker,
but if Sanchez decides to shift camp to the Etihad, he will guarantee himself a
free probable Premier League medal. But, a shift to the red side of Manchester
would definitely be a logical and better option. Here’s why.
Guaranteed Starter.
Due to United’s need for a lethal forward, Sanchez
would be assured a starting role in the team. His experience in the Premier
League will be crucial factor if United want to put up a fight with City for
the league title. United lack pace, with Alexis in the side, United could have
an increased pace boost and creative ingenuity. Whereas at City, a starting
spot won’t be definite. City have a star-studded attack, with Sterling, Aguero,
Jesus, Sane and Silva dominating. If he would join them, he would get game time,
but due to Guardiola’s frequent rotation policy. Sanchez won’t even be cup tied,
which means he will be eligible to play in the Champions League knock-out
stages with United. Arsenal are currently in the Europa League.
Possible Number 7.
Sanchez currently wears the number 7 shirt
at Arsenal and with Chile. United are currently holding out the iconic number 7
for Griezmann. But, with a deal for the Frenchman becoming less likely, United are
willing to had the famous jersey to Sanchez, should he join. We can say that
United haven’t got a true number 7 after Ronaldo, with Di Maria, Depay failing
to live up to the expectations and the immense pressure that comes with it.
Just like great number 10s and 9s of United, the wearer of the number 7, considered
the most prestigious shirt by the club and fans, due to it’s success with
legends like Best, Cantona, Beckham and Ronaldo wearing it. If we look at a
marketing and financial point of view, Sanchez as United’s next number 7, would
lead to an increase in boost of shirt sales, they could make him the clubs
poster boy alongside Pogba, followed by many endorsement deals and all the
riches that come with it. The deal would give the fans their number 7 that was
missing in the side. In addition to that, he could earn 270,000k a week in
wages, which would make him the highest paid player in the Premier League.
| Sanchez Could Be United's Next Number 7 |
Where Can Sanchez Play, At United?
Sanchez is a versatile attacker. He is capable of playing
anywhere in the frontline. At Arsenal, Sanchez has made a total of 112 appearances
scoring 60 goals. At the Emirates he plays as a centre forward, attacking
midfielder and predominantly as a left winger. He is an agile player with great
pace and technical ability. He has an eye for goal and can also set-up his
team-mates during a quick counter attack. At United, he can easily fit in the
4-3-3 formation and default, 4-2-3-1. In both these variations, he can be
deployed as an attacking midfielder, given a role of a false 9 to support
Lukaku or even on the right wing. During his time at Barcelona, he made a total
of 83 appearances from the right wing, scoring 42 times. At Arsenal, he has
played mainly as a left winger, secondary striker or an attacking midfielder. He
is more than capable to play on the right wing at United. His technical ability
and Valencia’s support would help him too. He would also fit in a classic 4-4-2,
building a strike partnership with Lukaku upfront, but, that method doesn’t give
much width and depth in Jose’s style of play. In either possible situations,
Mkhitarayan and Lingard may have to move in on the wing, should Sanchez
takeover the attacking midfielder role. But, if he plays at United the right-wing
role is best suited for him. United have great pace on the left with Martial
and Rashford. With Alexis on the right, it would even the odds on either wing
and ensure consistent, dynamic, creative and intelligent attacking wing play.
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