Alexis Sanchez has already changed the dynamic of Manchester United’s attacking play because he ‘always wants to show what he can do’ with the ball, according to vice-captain Antonio Valencia. The Chilean has made an impressive start at United, even having a hand in two goals on his debut at Yeovil, and scored his first goal for the club on his Old Trafford bow against Huddersfield on Saturday.
Although it was a scruffy rebound, after he fluffed his lines with his initial penalty, it was the least Sanchez deserved after yet another man of the match display where he further endeared himself to his new fans. Those in attendance at Old Trafford were on the edge of their seats any time the fearless 29-year-old got on the ball and ran at a defender and Valencia has hailed the immediate impact his fellow South American has made. “Of course because of the way Alexis plays, always wanting the ball, he always wants to show what he can do and that is important for us,” he told reporters when asked if the former Arsenal forward has changed United’s attack.
“We knew Alexis. For five years now, he has been playing at the highest level in the Premier League and that is why he is here today. “Today he showed he is a great player and we hope he continues like this.” United’s 2-0 win against Huddersfield closed the gap on bitter rivals Man City to 13 points after Pep Guardiola’s side could only draw at Burnley on Saturday.
That may seem an insurmountable deficit, with just 12 games to go, but memories of United’s title collapse in 2012 are still fresh in Valencia’s mind after his side threw away an eight-point lead with just six matches left. “Today we have showed that we have quality and conditions to fight until the end of the season,” he added “We need to keep fighting until the end, we need to keep going. “Years ago, we lost a title when we were eight points ahead and there were only six games left. Now, we have a lot more games to play and we need to keep fighting.”
It has been another impressive campaign for Valencia at right-back and he has made a habit of popping up with the odd thunderbolt, such as that sensational strike against Everton back in September. But the 32-year-old insists he does not let the plaudits go to his head. “I want to represent the team and I think I am doing well, but the most important thing is that my team-mates are happy with me.”
