If there was one thing that was apparent from Manchester United’s play last season was their apparent lack of depth in the attacking department. Although they had four world class strikers fighting for just two spots, they didn’t have too much in terms of cover in midfield. As a result, the supply line for the strikers was wafer thin throughout the season and the club struggled to score as many goals as they usually do.
Most of the players being linked with United over the past month or so, have been attacking players and you can certainly see why. Although it is unlikely that they sign any if not many of them, one player who has recently been linked with a move to Old Trafford is Barcelona’s Alexis Sanchez. The 25-year-old Chilean winger hasn’t lived up to its reputation since signing from Udinese and with new coach Luis Enrique looking to stamp his authority on the squad, Sanchez might be one of the few that joins Fabregas, on his way out of the Catalans.
Here are three reasons why the versatile Chilean winger would be perfect for the Red Devils
Will fit into Van Gaal’s style of play
Both at Barcelona and Chile, Sanchez usually operates either on the right or the left of a front three. His pace, skill and trickery enables him to not just play as an orthodox winger, but also as an inverted winger, who can cut inside and shoot. Considering the fact that 4-3-3 is Van Gaal’s preferred formation, Sanchez would fit right in.
Seeing as Mata is unlikely to play on the wings and Januzaj is the only winger who looks likely to stay on at the start of next season, United lack the kind of players that would fit into Van Gaal’s style of play. The 25-year-old would be one of them and his experience of playing in the Champions League and the World Cup means that the Red Devils will not just be a talented player, but one that is in the prime of his career.
United are in dire need of quality wingers
For over two decades, Manchester United dominated the Premier League, thanks in no large part to the vast array of gifted wingers to have played for the club. Whether it was Kanchelskis, Sharpe and Giggs to start with or the more recent Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo, the Red Devils have had a long tradition of wing wizards. Last season, they had Ashley Young, Nani and Antonio Valencia.
Last season, the trio turned out to be ineffective, injured and inconsistent, which meant that the side’s most productive area over the years was missing. With all three players likely to move on, United are in dire need of some quality reinforcement on the wings, which the Chilean will surely provide.
Would be available and won’t be too expensive
One of the problems Manchester United are likely to face while chasing most of their transfer targets is their price. The club’s failure to qualify for the Champions League means that not many players would be interested in a move right away. Even if they are, the club selling, will be looking to make the most out of the deal. As a result, United will have to shell out a little extra, not just to the club, but also to the player as well, to ensure that the deal goes through.
In Sanchez’s case, the former is unlikely to happen, given that Luis Enrique is looking at a massive clear out at the Catalans, whilst giving the younger players a chance. With Fabregas already out, Sanchez is likely to join him and the price being quoted is £20 million, which would be a steal considering the going rate for talented young wingers these days.