Just because you can doesn’t mean you should.
When Manchester United signed Alexis Sanchez there was widespread jubilation among supporters. Here was an international superstar in his prime, a signing simultaneously strengthened Jose Mourinho’s squad and weakened a rival.
He would, said some, be the difference between United and those lagging behind them, providing the extra attacking class needed to push on in the Champions League ahead of a proper attempt at the title next season. Unfortunately, it hasn’t gone to plan so far.
Despite his obvious excellence, Sanchez has struggled since joining United, scoring only once (via a penalty) and consistently finding himself out of sync with an attack which was already lacking cohesion.
While it was hoped his inclusion would provide some pace and intensity, it has in fact done the opposite. What little momentum United had prior to his arrival has gone for the most part, with the likes of Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford – the former of whom was enjoying a particularly fruitful season – sidelined to make way for Mourinho’s expensive acquisition.
It is understandable to some degree – any player who had been such high demand would expect to start immediately – but United’s form and performances since his arrival (three wins and two defeats in the league) beg the question of whether they even needed him in the first place.
Mourinho’s decision to sign him while already possessing an incredibly promising and dangerous left-winger in the form of Martial screamed of not only short-term thinking but a desire, inexplicably, for a big name.
Like someone playing Career Mode on FIFA, Mourinho appears to have ignored his own talent – one with more league goals and assists this season than Sanchez – for someone who, in theory, would improve his team. So far, the gamble has failed.
Despite their 3-2 win at Selhurst Park, United look only threatening when forced to be and appear mired by an inability to start games with any form of intensity whatsoever.
Sanchez meanwhile looks every bit the forlorn figure he was towards the end of his Arsenal career. He lost the ball 19 times in the first half against Palace, an indication of just how out of sorts he is.
There is, of course, more than enough time for him to turn it around. Many players struggle when joining a new club, before finding their feet and going on to do brilliant things. Fortunately, he is also not one to give up and will at least work tirelessly until he finds his form.
But the more this struggle continues, the more both parties will suffer, and the question marks over the wisdom of his signing will grow louder by the day.
