3 Reasons why Sanchez will shine under Solksjaer

Manchester United superstar - Alexis Sanchez
Manchester United superstar - Alexis Sanchez

One of the most reputed attackers in the English Premier League, Chilean superstar Alexis Sanchez left Arsenal for Manchester United during the winter of 2018.

After spending four years at the Emirates Stadium, the winger decided to take on a fresh challenge in his career, departing the Gunners to switch to the Old Trafford in a swap deal that also saw Henrikh Mkhitaryan going the other direction.

Much was expected of the talented attacker following his move to Manchester but the former Barcelona forward struggled in his first season with the Red Devils, recording a below-par two goals and three assists to his name in 15 appearances across all competitions - with many pointing to Jose Mourinho's defensive tactics as the major reason behind Sanchez's early struggles at the club.

With the Portuguese now dismissed and former United striker Ole Gunnar Solksjaer now appointed as the caretaker manager, Alexis now has the opportunity to turn this around at the Old Trafford and below are three reasons why the Chilean will shine in his second spell under the Norwegian.


#3 A point to prove

The attacker is keen to prove a point this season
The attacker is keen to prove a point this season

After failing to live up to the expectations that accompanied his transfer to Manchester United and falling under intense criticism, Alexis Sanchez knows more than everyone else that he needs to step up and prove himself at the Old Trafford, especially now that Jose Mourinho cannot be used as an excuse anymore.

His performances have improved dramatically during the past few weeks and the Chilean superstar proved a point against his former side Arsenal on Friday, scoring the opener as Manchester United defeated the Gunners 3-1 in a crucial FA Cup fixture at the Emirates Stadium.

Moreover, his coach, Ole Gunnar Solksjaer recently praised his attitude during training which suggests that he is actually determined to turn things around, and with such solid determination, the forward will definitely have his good times this season.

#2 Ole Gunnar Solksjaer's tactics

Solksjaer has made tactical changes that will bring the best out of the Chilean superstar
Solksjaer has made tactical changes that will bring the best out of the Chilean superstar

After coming in to replace the dismissed Jose Mourinho as Manchester United manager (caretaker), Ole Gunnar Solksjaer has wasted no time in getting work done at the Old Trafford and the first thing he did was to introduce another system of play.

The Norwegian has established a pro-attacking and free-flowing football at the club, with which he has won all his eight games in charge so far getting both the fans and his players together in a harmonic atmosphere, similar to that of the days Sir Alex Ferguson.

His tactical changes have improved the team dramatically, with players like Paul Pogba, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard all playing at unstoppable levels at the moment while Sanchez himself benefited immensely from the system with his eye-catching display against his former club on Friday.

With such an effective system in place, there is no doubt Alexis is primed to shine under the manager this season.

#1 The support of the manager

Solksjaer has thrown his full support behind the attacker since he took over at the Old Trafford.
Solksjaer has thrown his full support behind the attacker since he took over at the Old Trafford.

Another reason why Alexis Sanchez will shine in his second season at the Old Trafford can be drawn from the back up given to him by his manager, Ole Gunnar Solksjaer, with the Norwegian boss throwing his full support behind the Chilean superstar.

Solksjaer has come out to defend his star attacker on numerous occasions this season, praising his attitude in training while also stating his belief that the winger would play influential roles for the Red Devils during the term.

His decision to start him during their recent FA Cup fixture against Arsenal speaks volume of how much the tactician believes in his superstar and Sanchez did make that opportunity count, producing an eye-catching performance as the Red Devils got the better of their Premier League rivals.

With such immense understanding, perfect chemistry, and rigid support, Sanchez has everything he needs to turn things around at the Old Trafford during the campaign.

Quick Links

Edited by Abhinav Munshi
Sportskeeda logo
Close menu
WWE
WWE
NBA
NBA
NFL
NFL
MMA
MMA
Tennis
Tennis
NHL
NHL
Golf
Golf
MLB
MLB
Soccer
Soccer
F1
F1
WNBA
WNBA
More
More
bell-icon Manage notifications