5 reasons why the victory over Newcastle would bring back the glory days to Manchester United

#4 It could bring out the best of Alexis Sanchez

Sanchez scored the winner against Newcastle United

Nine months on from completing his protracted transfer from Arsenal on deadline day in January, many fans around the world were questioning what the fuss over the Chilean was all about and were already considering him to be United flop.

Alexis had been the subject of a bidding war between City and United, with Guardiola’s men seemingly in pole position to sign him before being hijacked by their city rivals.

It says a lot about your abilities when arguably the best coach in the world goes all out to get you and two of the biggest clubs in England engage in a bidding war for your services, as Sanchez had proven to be one of the elite forwards in the league since his 2014 transfer to Arsenal.

However, since his transfer to United, the 29-year-old has seen his form dip, and the fact that he is the highest paid player in Premier League history only served to add more scrutiny to his performances. He had scored just three goals since his arrival at Old Trafford and had gone over 850 minutes without a league goal. He was yet to open his account this season and was heavily criticized for his constant dispossession in key areas for the Red Devils.

There were calls for him to be dropped from the starting line-up, and they were heeded, with the Chilean starting from the bench in recent weeks or not featuring altogether.

Alexis is a world-class performer, and he did not suddenly become a bad player. Sanchez’ ability remained the same, and he needed a defining performance to boost his confidence.

That performance came today against Newcastle, as Sanchez was on hand to nod home Fellaini’s cross deep into stoppage time to mark wild celebration scenes at Old Trafford.

The joy of relief was sprawled across Sanchez’ face, and you could sense the feeling that this could mark the start of a revival in his United career.

Manchester United signed a superb player who they hoped would continue the legacy of the legendary number 7 jersey at Old Trafford, but so far, it hasn’t panned out to plan, but with his statement winner against Newcastle, the tides might just have turned in the favor of Sanchez to live up to expectation.