Despite poor early season form, this Man United star could decide their outcome against Young Boys – opinion

Why Alexis Sanchez could be crucial for Man United against Young Boys

Manchester United start their Champions League campaign with a trip to Swiss champions Young Boys on Wednesday.

The trip to Young Boys already feels like a must-win game for Manchester United after being drawn in a daunting group alongside Juventus and Valencia. Hence, Jose Mourinho’s men will be looking to acquire a crucial three points when they visit the Swiss side, with tough games against Valencia and Juventus to follow.

United have endured a slow start to the new Premier League campaign but they have recovered lately with two back-to-back away wins at Burnley and Watford. The latest win came at Watford, with Mourinho’s men managing to end the Hornets’ 100% record this season.

It was a complete team effort from the Red Devils as they won 2-1 at Vicarage Road. However, one player who failed to deliver for United was Alexis Sanchez.

After arriving from Arsenal in January in exchange for Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Sanchez has royally failed to impress. The Chilean was a huge statement signing by United but things haven’t gone exactly how Mourinho and the supporters would have expected.

Sanchez struggling to find his feet at Old Trafford in the second half of last season was understandable, but after a whole summer of proper rest and a full pre-season under his belt, hopes were high that the No.7 would perform. However, Sanchez has shown very little of the potential he actually possesses.

The Chilean has continuously let the team down in crucial situations and his passing, crossing and movement have been sub-par. Well, Wednesday would be a fine time for Sanchez to repay Mourinho’s faith as United travel to Switzerland to face Young Boys who desperately need a positive start in the Champions League group stage.

However, a player like Sanchez could boost United’s chances of surging ahead.

The Chilean might not have had the best of starts but he is capable of damaging the opposition in one blink of an eye. He has the ability to play on either flank, as a secondary striker and even as a false 9, being a lethal player wherever his boss decides to use him.

Sanchez is a gifted playmaker, with his ability to link up and his outstanding pace. His quick passing and finishing abilities could be too hot to handle for Young Boys.

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Although Sanchez is yet to hit his stride in the Premier League this season, he could actually be the difference when United meet Young Boys on Wednesday.