Are Man United the clear winners from the Alexis Sanchez-Henrikh Mkhitaryan swap deal?

Sport360 staff 07:52 22/01/2018
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  • Arsenal and Manchester United have reportedly agreed a straight swap deal for Alexis Sanchez and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, with no money involved, and the deal expected to be completed on Monday.

    And with both players look set to join a new club, we ask: Are United the clear winners from the Sanchez-Mkhitaryan swap deal?

    Let us know what you think as two of our writers debate on the topic.

    Share with us your thoughts by commenting below, using Twitter or getting in touch via Facebook.

    YES – Matt Monaghan

    Not even the figures enclosed in the British Chancellor of the Exchequer’s iconic red briefcase for their annual Budget speech will receive as much scrutiny as those involved in the ongoing Alexis Sanchez and Henrikh Mkhitaryan swap deal.

    Do not get distracted by the £400-500,000 (Dh2-2.5 million) which will depost itself in the Chile forward’s bank account each week from Manchester United. Gaining a player of his rarified ability, alligned with his new employer’s booming finances, provides a clear edge.

    For all Mkhitaryan’s current and past exploits, he was not Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger’s first pick when United came calling. Overtures for France forward Anthony Martial and rehabilitated England left-back Luke Shaw were swiftly rejected.

    Alexis Sanchez (R)

    In blunt terms, United have gained a world-class footballer, cut loose an enigmatic talent unable to fulfil the hard-working demands manager Jose Mourinho makes of his playmakers and retained two prospects of huge promise.

    Since being bought from Barcelona in July 2014, Sanchez has averaged a goal every 169 minutes and an assist every 405 minutes in the top flight. Mkhitaryan has taken, on average, 287 minutes longer to score and just 25 minutes more to register an assist in the wake of his arrival in July 2016 from Borussia Dortmund.

    The Armenian has had 18 months in the doldrums, meaning a gamble is being made about the productive form of old returning. Even a disinterested Sanchez has provided a greater threat since his desire for a summer exit went unfulfilled.

    United have also pulled off the much-sterner task of adding a premium talent eligible to play in this season’s Champions League’s knockout stages. It is easier to find men ready to bolster a Europa League-campaign.

    Sanchez adds vigour, deepens options and is a born winner. When such a talent is procured for £10m (Dh51m) less – in relative terms – than Everton paid for Gylfi Sigurdsson, there is only one winner.

    NO – Chris Bailey

    Henrikh Mkhitaryan of Manchester United

    In an ideal world Alexis Sanchez would have been trapped in the middle of a five-year contract and Arsenal could name their price. The Gunners have regrettably never operated that way.

    But for the first time in a long while they have defied their tag as one of the Premier League’s biggest doormats in the transfer market and not let Sanchez’s antics floor them.

    There were no positives to glean when Robin van Persie and Samir Nasri were shipped up north for cut-rate prices. It sent a a clear message to potential arrivals that Arsenal lack ambition.

    This time? The Gunners have parted with a wantaway player six months before he would have rushed out of the door and replaced him with someone who, on his day, can match his genius.

    Few United fans will say that they are sorry to see Henrikh Mkhitaryan go. His confidence is egg-shell fragile and when he’s bad, he’s really bad. He lost the ball 21 times during a Champions League group stage clash against Benfica in October.

    When he’s good, there’s no disputing he is really good.

    Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang 2

    And you know who will be excited about the prospect of reestablishing a connection? Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang, who was the chief beneficiary of Mkhitaryan’s assist assault during his time with Borussia Dortmund.

    There’s no disputing Sanchez is a superior talent as it stands. But United have acquired a player who, at 29, will before long lose some of his crucially explosive pace. He also has a lot of wear on his tyres, as this summer will be the first time he’s not playing for Chile for five years.

    There are already rumours that Paul Pogba is casting envious eyes at Sanchez’s monster pay packet. It only increases the pressure on the new boy to be an unqualified success at United, whereas Mkhitaryan will have an easier time blending into Arsenal’s fold as a less-heralded arrival.

    For once, Arsenal can be accused of shrewdness.

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