Sunday will see Manchester United winger Alexis Sanchez face his former team, Arsenal, for the first time since his January transfer window move. It’s one of many storylines in this match at Old Trafford, which is sure to be the weekend’s blockbuster fixture.
Earlier in the week, Sanchez spoke to MUTV, and during the interview he discussed how “different” it is at United, while also admitting that the adjustment to his new club has been “difficult.”
The Chilean has just three goals in 14 games with United, but one of those goals came last weekend against Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup semifinal at Wembley Stadium. Alexis was awarded Man of the Match this past Saturday, and perhaps that’s a sign of a turnaround for the left winger.
United boss Jose Mourinho met the media a couple hours ago (video of the entire session available at this link) and the Portugese stated his beliefs that Alexis could be on the road to returning to form.
“We all know how good he was, that’s why he was chased by many teams I believe, that’s why we fought to have him here and I was since day one sure he was the right player,” said Mourinho.
“Not just by the typical football qualities but also by his mentality and we needed that, a little bit more experience, mental aggressiveness and I knew sooner or later were coming. I don’t like the January market but it was now or never and now if we can have good Alexis until the end of the season it is better for us.”
It is difficult to adjust to a new team and a new position in midseason, and that does explain why Sanchez has been a disappointment so far. Perhaps next season will provide a fresh start, and then we’ll see the Alexis Sanchez that we all know. Or at least Mourinho believes so.
“We need seven points, we have a final to play, can he help us? I hope so, and next season after preseason, after being comfortable and adapted he’s going to be great for us,” he added.
In addition to discussing Sanchez, this session also saw Mourinho covering the time that he and Mohamed Salah were together at Chelsea, his fractious relationship with Arsene Wenger and David de Gea.
Speculation that De Gea could move to Real Madrid has been revived for the 90 zillionth time, due to a Keylor Navas mistake in the Champions League semi-final.
Mourinho was asked today if De Gea could leave United and return to his hometown.
“No chance,” the Portugese responded.
United FC Starting XI Prediction: go to this link
Arsenal FC Starting XI Prediction: go to this link
Injury and fitness report for both teams: go to this link
Odds via Odds Checker: United 6/13, Draw 50/13, Arsenal FC 15/2
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, currently contributes regularly to WGN CLTV and the Tribune company’s blogging community Chicago Now.
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