Patrick Rees
Manchester United finally lost their first game of 2018 and it was against Tottenham, who are undefeated against the Devils at home for three seasons running now. It all started for United in as early as the 11th second when a well-worked move was converted into the net by Christian Eriksen.
It was the first goal United had conceded in over 600 minutes of Premier League football. Minutes before the half-an-hour mark, United conceded second, after Phil Jones fired Kieran Trippier’s low cross into his own net, and that sealed the fate of Mourinho at Wembley.
Coming on the back of a brilliant 4-0 win over Yeovil Town in the 4th round of the FA Cup, a lot was expected from United. Coupled with that, Lingard’s recent form and Alexis Sanchez’s arrival gave United a feeling of a certain optimism. All went down the drain as neither the former nor the latter could do anything to course of the game.
It is safe to say that the Chilean was United’s most creative outlet on the night but with no real support to work with, his effect was minimised by Tottenham with relative ease.
The 29-year-old indeed played some great through balls but unfortunately to no avail. Talking numbers, the Chile international only had 35 touches and just managed 77% pass accuracy with no dribbles to his kitty. Also, he didn’t even manage to fire a single shot on goal. It was certainly a disappointment but the outcome was a result of poor collective performance, to say the least.
Deployed on the left-wing, Sanchez’s effect was entirely nullified by Kieran Trippier and as many would say, Alexis went missing on his Premier League debut for Manchester United. Arsenal and Manchester United fans, on their part, found their target man on Twitter and this is how they reacted to his showing:
As for you mate @Alexis_Sanchez… sorry, but no you can’t come back. We’ve got a better striker now on half the money. pic.twitter.com/x7d4I0xT4D
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) January 31, 2018
Tottenham fans booing Alexis Sanchez. Man will be booed in every stadium.
— Danny Welbeck (@WelBeast) January 31, 2018
Thank God Arsenal didn’t sell their best player to a rival. They won’t miss Alexis Sánchez at all. Far too wasteful with the ball.
— Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) January 30, 2018
Alexis Sanchez realising what life without Mesut Ozil will be like…. pic.twitter.com/QQTWSUZ2At
— Carl Bövis ⚽ (@CarlBovis_AFC) January 31, 2018
Alexis Sanchez heading back to Arsenal after watching Phil Jones defend…#TOTMUN pic.twitter.com/RFcmRdJsWm
— The Sportsman (@TheSportsman) January 31, 2018
Mourinho playing Alexis Sanchez on the left & wondering why his left-back keeps getting exposed…
— Carl Bövis ⚽ (@CarlBovis_AFC) January 31, 2018
According to Piano FC, Alexis Sanchez joined them to win trophies while Mesut Ozil renewed because of money yet Alexis Sanchez is now the highest paid player in the premier league. Whatever makes you sleep at night.
Retarded lot!
— Danny Welbeck (@WelBeast) February 1, 2018
Alexis Sanchez did not create a single scoring chance or even attempt a shot on goal for the 1st time in a Premier League game all season!
How do you explain this? pic.twitter.com/TuEjExpm9J
— Football Super Tips (@FootySuperTips) February 1, 2018
Because he is no where as good as people say he is sanchez will not score a goal for man utd from now until the end of the season
— Gareth Mason (@GarethNuFc1722) February 1, 2018
His now good at piano
— Ozil’s Calmness (@izzy_samuel1) February 1, 2018
Christ sake. It’s his first game for United. Sorry yeovil doesn’t count. He needs to adapt to a new style of football. Barça and arsenal are similar in attacking. Also away from home, also against Spurs who are hardly a shit team. He needs 3 or 4 games to gel with new players!
— Tom Dodson (@TomDod8) February 1, 2018
Foolish buy by a crazy manager
— Gerard Doyle (@thekerrycowboy) February 1, 2018
What Alexis Sanchez added to the Man Utd bus #PianoFC #TOTMUN pic.twitter.com/MDsG64R8ZI
— #YoJerry (@jerryjones99) January 31, 2018
LIVE pictures of Alexis Sanchez at half time. pic.twitter.com/2Nji3ZH7RI
— Samir Bhatia (@SamirBhatia8) January 31, 2018
As a MUFC fan I am not happy. Alexis Sanchez has done absolutely nothing for us. Wish we hadn’t signed him now. Hope he proves me wrong but his wages may be too high. Offload him in the summer. SICK OF THIS #TOTMUN
— Sandra Marsh (@Crazysandra101) January 31, 2018
Alexis Sanchez, who’s just been chopped by Dele Alli in a leftover north London feud, is going to need time to switch back on again after his long sulk at Arsenal.
— Paul Hayward (@_PaulHayward) January 31, 2018
This is the first game in history where both Spurs AND Arsenal fans are booing the same player… #AlexisSanchez #SpursvManUtd pic.twitter.com/g95gsYxF9Z
— Carl Bövis ⚽ (@CarlBovis_AFC) January 31, 2018
If you’re happy that Spurs just beat United because of Alexis Sanchez, FUCK RIGHT OFF!!
— Red Ken (@4everagooner) January 31, 2018
Alexis Sanchez is on the losing team after just 14 seconds of his Premier League debut for Manchester United. pic.twitter.com/V8gjjcBksz
— Goal (@goal) January 31, 2018
