Enter the Tocokiller

The no. 7 at United is finally filled. How can Alexis Sanchez live up to the lofty expectations?

After much fanfare and drama, Alexis Sanchez has arrived at Old Trafford. While it was an open secret that Alexis was originally destined to join Manchester City, their cross-town rivals were able to secure his signature in an unexpected coup. While the reasoning behind his decision to join United instead of his predetermined destination is up for debate, there is not disputing Alexis’ impact on the pitch. Manchester United have managed to sign a supremely talented forward from a rival.

A versatile forward, Alexis is able to play anywhere along the front line. He has been utilized mostly as a left winger or false nine forward at Arsenal, but has also been a right winger earlier in his career both at Barcelona and Udinese. A player who isn’t very interested with the glitz and glamour, Alexis’ main focus is football and his two dogs. His bull headed playing style gives United much more impetus in the attacking third. While much is made of Mourinho’s lack of attacking structure, this style actually allows Alexis freedom to play. Pep Guardiola and Sanchez butted heads during their time at Barcelona due to Alexis’ resistance to playing within the constraints his system. Under Mourinho, Alexis will be allowed to attack defenses with his trademark runs and blistering pace.

So far, Alexis has been good at United, but hasn’t been as instantly impactful at United as he was at his peak at Arsenal. Mourinho has deployed him both at on the left wing and at the 10 for extended amounts of time. Alexis has been given license to roam throughout the pitch, receiving the ball deep and building play, rotating along the front line, and linking up in the final third.

Alexi has scored 1 goal (a rebound off his saved penalty), and provided one assist in his 4 games at United. While he is still trying to fit in with his teammates at United and develop chemistry, there are multiple things that Mourinho can do to get the best out of Alexis and Manchester United. After not settling on a starting XI for much of his first season, and part of his second season, Mourinho has finally coached up players on how to exist in his trademark 4–2–3–1 formation. However, the addition of Alexis has thrown a monkey wrench in that lineup.

First thing that Mourinho has to do is start Alexis on the right wing. Anthony Martial is in blistering form on the left wing and shifting him to the right wing, where he has less ability to cut in and fire off his famous curlers isn’t the key to success. United’s right wing has been a problem for many years. Juan Mata is too slow to play on the wing and tends to drift centrally. Lingard has been used on the right wing at times, but this season has proven that his true position is also at the 10. Alexis’ previous experience on the right is the key to providing much needed width for United, dragging full backs and center backs away from Lukaku, giving him more 1 on 1 opportunities.

Secondly, Mourinho has to drop the 4–2–3–1 in favor of a 4–3–3. Jose’s 4–2–3–1 does not allow Pogba the freedom to utilize his unique skill set, due to a need to be mindful of his defensive responsibilities. Unfortunately, for this season’s revelation, Jesse Lingard, that means he has to be sacrificed in order to play Ander Hererra. United’s player of the season last year has had a very rough time this year, with most fans vocal with their frustrations with him. However, a lineup with Ander and Matic allows Pogba the freedom to get up and down the pitch and link play. This will prevent the issue of Alexis dropping deep to receive the ball that has been an issue in the past 4 games.

United have had a nondescript start to the Sanchez era, winning 2 games that they should’ve, but being thoroughly outplayed by an unconvincing Spurs side. While Alexis will play better with more familiarity with his new teammates, there are specific things that Mourinho can do to get the best of their newest marquee signing. The 7 shirt at United has finally found a worthy successor, but it’s ultimately up to Jose to put Alexis in a position to succeed.