Of course that was always going to be an issue and a risk. But a risk that JM and united were right to take. City flying at the moment with 12 points ahead were not prepared to take that risk. I understand that and in the same way Ferguson dominating the premiership would not have been prepared to take. But we are not in that position and with us needing that spark, it is definitely a risk worth taking. I can see Pogba deserving to match Sanchez. Any other player downing tools would soon be shown the door. When the team wins major trophies, every player will benefit with the next contract.
You may be surprised. Sanchez scores a lot of goals, but he takes a lot of goals away from other players, and a team player he is not. I wouldn't be quite so sure about that upgrade comment until you see him play week in, week out.
In a sense, I feel sorry for Mikki - the omens were good, there was every indication he would bring his sparkling form to OT, but it just didn't work out. Worst of all, he has been forced to spout all this 'I love Arsenal' crap......... 'I only ever wanted to play for the Gooners' etc etc.it's demeaning. Let him just get on with it, bite the bitter pill, put on their shirt and see how he gets on.
JM had the talent, the speed and the solidity. Now he's added the passion and the desire for goals and for winning. Someone who youngsters like Rashford Martial Lingard and even Lukaku can learn from. Apart from getting Messi and perhaps Hazard, I can't Think which better player he could have brought in. We'll have to wait and see but JM has proven that he can take the brave decisions. Can anyone imagine Moyes pinching this player from Pep?
He got 10 assists last season, 5th highest in the league, to go along with his 24 goals. Not bad for someone who isn't a team player!
I've seen this point being raised on Sky Sports. In terms of wages and affordability, when you factor in the front players who have moved out at the beginning/middle of the season or not playing next season therefore off the pay bill: Rooney: 250k (transferred) Zlatan: 220k (crocked) Mikhitarian: 140k (transferred) That's a total of £610k/week of talent (excluding bonuses) that needed to be replaced. Sanchez (at £350K basic) being versatile will remove the need to replace Zlatan (as number 9), + Rooney (as 10 or even 9) and Mikhi (as a 10). Lukaku Martial Lingard Rashford and Sanchez + Mata will be more than good enough to cover all the attacking positions. Any of those (except possibly Mata) could play at the top and should the need arise Pogba (or Fellaini or Herrera ) could push up more to support the front man/men. Wherever Sanchez is played, there is enough pace and power in our frontline to give us goals. The addition of Ozil in summer (as a free) will be a bonus.
You will see what I mean, no point in arguing about it. Just don't be surprised if everyone else's goals and assists go down when he is playing.
To be honest I'm kind of on the fence a little bit with Sanchez. Yeah I think he's a good player, but I'm not convinced he is any sort of world superstar. If he was that great Barcelona wouldn't have kept him on the bench and then flogged him to you lot. Like I say he's a good player, but I don't think he's a massive upgrade on what we already have, and I'd be very suprised if he had the same impact that Van Persie had. RVP was for me one of the best to ever play in the PL, but injuries held him back from having the longevity of others. Sanchez I'm not convinced is at that level, but I hope I'm wrong. He is definitely better than Mhkitaryan though
I certainly don't think he is a Messi or a Ronaldo. He carried Arsenal a lot of the time he was there and many of their players were in awe of him. I am hoping that he is the missing ingredient that makes that United team closer to a flying aggressive assertive Ferguson team. A catalyst who makes others perform to their optimum. We've had quite a few good players who have shrunk under the pressure of high expectations: Di Maria, Mkhitarian,Depay, Falcao, Schweinsteiger, schneiderlin, Kagawa. The list is almost endless. He looks to have the necessary assertiveness and self belief. Let's hope he's more Pogba or Bailly than DiMaria or Depay.
Don't get too excited about Ozil - current rumours are he is close to signing a new contract. I'd be more annoyed losing Ozil than Sanchez.