Patrick Rees
An emotional day at Old Trafford was summed up with a 19th goal of the season for Romelu Lukaku coupled with a goal on his home debut from Alexis Sanchez, which gave Manchester United a well-deserved 2-0 win over David Wagner’s Huddersfield Town at Old Trafford.
With Manchester City playing a 1-1 draw against Burnley earlier in the day, Mourinho needed all three points from the fixture to at least close down the gap and although the Terriers made United’s life miserable in the first 45 minutes, the game was sealed when Alexis Sanchez scored with a simple tap-in after Jonas Lössl saved his penalty.
With no real surprise, Manchester United enjoyed a majority of possession and at the other end, David De Gea – who made his 300th Manchester United appearance today – was left as a mere spectator. It took Manchester United 55 minutes to break the deadlock but they could have done it in as early as the 20th minute when Terence Kongolo bumped into Scott McTominay in the area but referee Stuart Attwell believed no harm was done. The youngster needed a little medical attention but was soon back on the field.
The talking point came as soon as the team sheet was announced. After a 2-0 defeat against Tottenham, Mourinho decided to bench Paul Pogba – the first time he’s been dropped since his return to the club in August 2016 – raising a few eyebrows even before the kickoff. United struggled to get into the groove in the early parts of the game, but they turned it around in the second period.
There was no real moment in and around the box as all United did was enjoy more possession and Huddersfield seemed perfectly alright with that. United, however, looked sharper in the second period and 10 minutes into it, the deadlock was broken. Receiving a Nemanja Matic pass on the left flank, Juan Mata delivered a perfect low drive into the area and Romelu Lukaku – after making a clever run – finished it off in absolute style.
Some 13 minutes after the first, Alexis Sanchez won his side a penalty after Michael Hefele tripped him inside the area. Jonas Lossl was spot on to deny the Chilean his first Manchester United goal, but little did he know that his effort paved way for the £14m-a-year Alexis to do a simple tap-in from close range.
A goal is a goal no matter how, and Alexis learned it the best way. Meanwhile, it was the best way to pay tribute to the Busby Babes.
So as far as fans are concerned, this is how they reacted to the Chilean’s home debut:
Really clever from Sanchez, didn’t want his first goal to be a penalty so he misses on purpose then scores the rebound #MUFC #MUNHUD pic.twitter.com/QwE2PZh1yv
— J.A.O (@JuanAnderOnly) February 3, 2018
Despite Huddersfield’s best attempts to Volley Sanchez into an ambulance Today. He was Brilliant. He Got up every time. And deserved his goal. #BusbyBabes ❤️
— Robbie Maguire (@MaguireRobbie) February 3, 2018
Fucking hell this guy was a machine out there. Amazing pic.twitter.com/jiTPfCsIjI
— Steven (@TwoFootValencia) February 3, 2018
2 Man of the match in 3 games pic.twitter.com/mEpw5vK6xs
— Sam ✨ (@JuanderfuI) February 3, 2018
Sanchez with another MOTM performance. I love dis gameeeee
— C (@VivaMartiaI) February 3, 2018
What’s mightily impressive is Alexis Sánchez’s ability to just carry on after being continually hacked down. Reminds me of Ronaldo at Manchester United. Fantastic determination.
— Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) February 3, 2018
Quality play against the rugby team!
— Dv_manunited (@ThakorDivyesh) February 3, 2018
Im already in love with sanchez my god he fights and runs and works hard the full 90min
— radjaaaa (@Zaneportelli) February 3, 2018
The reason he’s losing the ball so often is because he’s continually looking to make something happen. So determined going forward, tracking back and unlike most forwards chases the balls he loses.
If I knew I had Matic, McTominay and a back four behind me, I’d take risks too!
— Simply A Red (@SimplyARed) February 3, 2018
He wants the ball at the hardest positions in the pitch. Something SAF said about ronaldo. Same goes for Sanchez
— Angaddeep Singh (@Angad_Red) February 3, 2018
New hero for the Stretford End #AlexisSanchez pic.twitter.com/d7NAfJnCgl
— Justin Dunton (@Justin_Dunton) February 3, 2018
Alexis Sanchez predictably terrier-like at United. Was kicked for 90 minutes v Spurs and same again today. Just dusts himself down and gets on with it.
— Alex Shaw (@AlexShawESPN) February 3, 2018
Alexis Sánchez vs. Huddersfield Town:
3 shots on-target
81% successful dribble rate
1 goal
22 duels won
7 times he was fouledNot a bad home debut pic.twitter.com/1BhwprM4Qj
— Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) February 3, 2018
I love the speed of this game. @ManUtd @Alexis_Sanchez the guy has changed the engine and the sharpness of the team. Fantastic player
— Louis Saha (@louissaha08) February 3, 2018
Got the shit kicked out of him and still put in a quality show.
— Buck Phono (@PhilipKDingus) February 3, 2018
His work rate put everyone else to shame today. Non-stop running from kick off to full time
— Drico, #CourtneyToWin. (@DricoMonster) February 3, 2018
