Definitely a Mourinho quality.
After delivering a Man of the Match performance in his Manchester United debut, Jose Mourinho will have been impressed by the fact that Alexis Sanchez has hit the ground running.
The Chilean was instrumental in some of the best play that United put together in their 0-4 win – Marcus Rashford and Ander Herrera definitely profited from his talents.
Of course, throughout his managerial career, Mourinho has consistently asked his frontmen to defend from the front and run the hard yards for the team. In fact, Sánchez’s “tough guy” attitude has already impressed the United manager.
“I’m very happy [with Sánchez’s performance] but after over three years in the Premier League, playing every week, everyone knows what Alexis is about. You don’t think about adaptation or something like that in relation to English football, so it was no surprise for us. A fantastic player. He showed that and he is an amazing addition for us,” said Mourinho.
With regards to some of the physical challenges that the new signing faced, Mourinho added: “I was impressed with his attitude. I did my job well and told the players they should be ready for [physical challenges] and never to react because, sometimes, the top players lose their head and balance in these matches, and then they can be the ones who are punished by the referee. I understand the decision not to show the red card because this is a special day, and 10 against 11 in that moment of the game is game over. So I understand Paul Tierney’s decision. We love the FA Cup and to come to these stadiums but the players need protection. Alexis is a tough guy and he knew what to expect. I’m happy with everything he did.”
This commitment has also impressed Ander Herrera because the Spanish midfielder has said that he’s a big admirer of the work ethic that the former Udinese and Barcelona player is already showing.
Herrera said: “He has played very well but what I really like from him is the way he fights when he loses the ball, when the team loses the ball. He’s always ready to be the first defender in the team, that’s going to be very important for us. Of course, we know his quality, he’s going to be amazing for us but the way he fights, he defends and is the first defender is what I really like.”
It's fair to say @AnderHerrera was impressed with @Alexis_Sanchez's efforts last night! 💪 pic.twitter.com/n8aex6vvF1
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 27, 2018
