Manchester United’s hopes of lifting the Champions League have received a huge boost with the stellar signing of Alexis Sanchez as he can “make the difference” for the rest of the season, according to their legendary former centre-back and captain Nemanja Vidic.
The Red Devils pulled off a huge coup this week when they outbid rivals Manchester City to land the electric Chile forward. Armenia playmaker Henrikh Mkhitaryan headed in the opposite direction to Arsenal.
Sanchez, who scored 80 times in 165 games for the Gunners, has been added to the squad, with the further bonus of him being eligible to compete in the knockout stages of Europe’s elite club competition – where La Liga’s Sevilla await in the round of 16 next month.
Ex-Serbia international Vidic lifted that hallowed trophy in 2007/08. This was the highlight of a full-bloodied spell at Old Trafford which featured 15 major honours and 300 appearances from 2006-14 after being plucked from Spartak Moscow for a bargain £7m (Dh44.6m).
Speaking to Sport360° in Dubai to hand over the latest adidas “Cold Blooded” boot pack to the city’s adidas Tango League Captains, the United icon couldn’t wait to witness the new man’s impact.
“I am excited, as well,” said the 36-year-old, who retired in January 2016 after a brief spell in Serie A with Internazionale. “I think he is a player who has played in top clubs before, he has experience, won the trophies and played Champions League.
“It is a good signing for Man United. He brings something different into the team.
“I think we are now in a situation where we are focusing on the Champions League, as [Manchester] City are many points above Man United. Obviously, we never give up on the [Premier League] title, but I think the Champions League is realistic this season.
“I believe we can do a good job.
“As a club, when you want a player like Alexis Sanchez you do not think about City wanting him, Barcelona or someone. You want the player, as you think they can make the difference.
“I think Sanchez is the same. He can change the things for Manchester United, improve the team and help us grow.
“I am glad he signed. Now, we are waiting for him to start and help the team.”
Nemanja Vidic hands over the new adidas “Cold Blooded” Predator boot pack as he meets the adidas Dubai Tango League captains
Sanchez, 29, is expected to make his debut on Friday when United travel to League Two’s Yeovil Town in the FA Cup fourth round.
Success under current manager Jose Mourinho has been built from the back.
A leading 14 clean sheets have been kept from their 24 fixtures in this term’s top flight, a main cause for this being the consistent availability of England’s Phil Jones. The 25-year-old has already played more league matches (19) than in his previous two campaigns (18 and 10).
Vidic admitted feeling “very happy” to see his former team-mate become a regular presence on the pitch after years of persistent fitness issues.
He said: “I think Phil always was a top player. But he had a lot of problems with injuries.
“That is human, you can have injuries when you train all the time. With his form, I am very happy for him.
“It is not just him, we’ve had other defenders who’ve been injured. Now, I think we have good defenders.
“[Victor] Lindelof has grown, as well. I think that is important for the team.
“We play a lot of matches, so we need fit players – especially in defence.”
The Serbian is a big admirer of former team-mate Phil Jones.
